---
title: Nanotechnology & Biotechnology Glossary
description: Aligned bio presents a glossary of the 15 key terms in nanotechnology and biotechnology
---

[blog](https://www.alignedbio.com/en/blog)

# [Nanotechnology & Biotechnology Glossary](https://www.alignedbio.com/en/blog/nanotechnology-glossary)

 Written by [Aligned Bio](https://www.alignedbio.com/en/blog/author/aligned-bio) | May 28, 2025 1:25:07 PM

## [**1. Aerotaxy™**](https://www.alignedbio.com/technology)

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**](https://www.alignedbio.com/)

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.

 

 

[View full post](https://www.alignedbio.com/en/blog/nanotechnology-glossary)

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