Nanotechnology & Biotechnology Glossary

1. Aerotaxy™

A patented method developed for producing and aligning nanowires in a continuous, scalable way, enabling cost-effective nanowire integration in diagnostics.

2. Biocompatibility

The ability of a material to interact with the body without causing adverse reactions, a key factor in developing medical devices and sensors.

3. Biomarkers

Biological molecules found in blood or tissues that are indicators of a normal or abnormal process, or of a condition or disease. Used in diagnostics and therapeutic monitoring.

4. Biosensor

A device that uses biological components (like enzymes or antibodies) combined with a physical sensor to detect substances, such as biomarkers or pathogens.

5. Controlled Drug Delivery

Using nanocarriers to deliver therapeutic agents at a specific time, place, and dosage improving treatment effectiveness while reducing side effects.

6. Functionalization

The chemical process of attaching specific molecules to a surface (like nanowires) to give it desired biological properties (e.g., targeting a specific protein).

7. In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD)

Tests performed on samples (e.g. blood, saliva) outside the human body to detect diseases, conditions, or infections.

8. Lab-on-a-Chip

A miniaturized device integrating multiple laboratory functions on a single chip, often used in diagnostics and biosensing for faster, portable testing.

9. Nanotechnology

The science and engineering of manipulating matter at the nanoscale (typically between 1–100 nanometers) to create new materials, devices, or systems with unique properties.

10. Nanowires (NW)

Ultra-thin, wire-like structures with diameters in the nanometer range used for sensing, electronics, and energy applications due to their high surface-to-volume ratio and optical properties.

11. Point-of-Care Testing

Medical diagnostic testing performed at or near the site of patient care. Nanotechnology enables faster, more accurate, and portable point-of-care solutions.

12. Restenosis

The re-narrowing of an artery after it has been treated, typically with a stent. Nanotechnology can help prevent restenosis through drug-releasing nanocoatings.

13. Single-Molecule Detection

The ability to detect and analyze individual molecules (e.g. proteins, DNA) with high precision—essential for early disease diagnosis and ultra-sensitive assays.

14. Targeted Therapy

A treatment that uses drugs or other substances to precisely identify and attack disease cells, often supported by nanotechnology for improved targeting.

15. Waveguiding

A property of nanostructures like nanowires that allows them to guide light along their length, improving signal strength and detection sensitivity in optical assays.