Opportunities and Achievements in Using Nanoparticles in Medicine

Nanoparticles (NPs) are particles whose dimensions range from 1 to 100 nm in at least one measurement. They can consist of metals, oxides, carbon structures (e.g., fullerenes, nanotubes), polymers, or other organic and inorganic compounds. They exhibit unique physical, chemical, and biological properties due to their high specific surface area and reactivity. This review examines various types of NPs and their applications in medical imaging (MRI, CT, ultrasound, PET), tissue diagnostics (biopsy, endoscopy), and the diagnosis of infectious, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal diseases. Examples of using NPs for targeted drug delivery in oncological, cardiovascular, infectious, autoimmune diseases, and specifically in kidney diseases are analyzed. The aim of the review is to summarize current data on the use of various types of NPs in non-invasive diagnostics and targeted therapy of multisystem diseases, with focus on their multifunctional properties and potential for integration into nanomedicine.