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Nanotechnologies and nanobiotechnologies will come to be the key technologies of the 21st century. The possibility to study, understand and control features of materials at the nanoscale promises developments in different areas ranging from material sciences to electronics and communication technologies or life sciences and medicine. If one wants to make good use of nanotechnological research and development one has to create an environment that meets the various ethical, legal and social challenges as well.

Nanobiotechnology is particularly concerned with nano-scale properties and applications in the field of the life sciences. As nanobiotechnologies bring together spheres which have hitherto been separated, namely the technical and the biological spheres, the public often regards this technology with a certain amount of warniness. On the other hand nanotechnology promises progress in a number of fields such as health care or environmental monitoring. Certainly important and desirable aims would be met if these expectations were to be realized in the future. For the informed public it will therefore be of great importance to gain an unbiased overview of the chances and potential risks of nanobiotechnology. This volume is mainly concerned with the possible ethical and social implications of nanobiotechnology.