title: Biomedical Applications of Nanomaterials as Therapeutics.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  As nanomaterials possess attractive physicochemical properties, immense research efforts have been channeled towards their development for biological and biomedical applications. In particular, zinc nanomaterials (nZnOs) have shown great potential for use in in the medical and pharmaceutical fields, and as tools for novel antimicrobial treatment, thereby capitalizing on their unique antimicrobial effects.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a literature search using databases to retrieve the relevant articles related to the synthesis, properties and current applications of nZnOs in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. A total of 86 publications were selected for inclusion in this review.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Besides studies on the properties and the methodology for the synthesis of nZnOs, many studies have focused on the application of nZnOs as delivery agents, biosensors and antimicrobial agents, as well as in bioimaging.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This review gives an overview of the current development of nZnOs for their potential use as theranostic agents. However, more comprehensive studies are needed to better assess the valuable contributions and the safety of nZnOs in nanomedicine.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.|NUS Environmental Research Institute, 5A Engineering Drive 1, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Cheng-Teng
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Ng
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Gyeong-Hun
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Baeg
authors.affiliation: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Liya E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.affiliation: NUS Environmental Research Institute, 5A Engineering Drive 1, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Choon-Nam
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: Ong
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Boon-Huat
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Bay
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D050997:Nanomedicine / Q000379:methods*; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015034:Zinc Oxide / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D015034:Zinc Oxide
keywords: Zinc oxide nanomaterials; biomedical applications; diagnostic; nanomedicine; theranostic
  agents; therapeutic.