Applications of Nanoparticles in the Detection and Treatment of Kidney Diseases

Nanoparticles have emerged in the medical field as a technology well suited for the diagnosis and treatment of various disease states. They have been heralded as efficacious in terms of improved therapeutic efficacy and reduction of treatment side effects in some cases. Various nanomaterials have been developed that can be tagged with targeting moieties as well as with drug delivery and imaging capability or a combination of both as a theranostic agent. These nanomaterials have been investigated for treatment and detection of various pathological conditions. The emphasis of this review is to demonstrate current research and clinical applications for nanoparticles in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases.