Nanotechnology is a new, exciting field that has the potential to transform the way that medical and healthcare solutions are developed and delivered. This lecture will focus on the impact that nanotechnology has in the advance of medicine, healthcare and bio-sensing techniques and look at how to progress this area to meet future needs. Subjects under discussion include the properties and characterisation of nanomaterials for medical applications, issues of nanoparticle toxicity and regulations regarding their use, and the challenges and opportunities of nanotechnologies in the medical and healthcare sectors.