An Evolving Approach to Nanobiotechnology: More Confident but Still Highly Uncertain

Abstract

Although nanobiotechnology may be an invaluable tool in revolutionising contemporary medicine, our understanding of “nanobio”-related risks/benefits ratio is still very limited. Despite the increasing investments and support, the comprehensive scientific evaluation of this technology has not yet been carried out, thus its full effect on humans and environment remains undiscovered. In the last few years legislators have shown some willingness to address the problems of nanobiotechnology risk regulation specifically, but this process is still at the development stage. Meanwhile, public “nanobio-awareness”, hence, reception of this technology has not changed significantly over the last decade. Overall, education and further research are deemed to be the best instruments to help shape an adequate public and regulatory approach.