title: Applications of nanotechnology to biotechnology commentary.
abstract: The ability to systematically modify the properties of nanostructures by controlling their structure and their surface properties at a nanoscale level makes them extremely attractive candidates for use in biological contexts, from fundamental scientific studies to commercially viable technologies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005-1892, USA. jwest@rice.edu
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: West
authors.forename: N J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Halas
mesh_terms: D001709:Biotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D003116:Color; D003460:Crystallization; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes / Q000378:metabolism; D006046:Gold; D011108:Polymers / Q000378:metabolism; D012666:Semiconductors
chemical_list: D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D011108:Polymers; D006046:Gold