Book excerpt: This text highlights the applications of nanotechnology for medicine and the biosciences. Medical aspects of nanotechnology and the range of nanofabrication and microengineering techniques available for biological research and possible clinical applications are discussed. The volume reviews scanning probe and submicron optical microscopy of biomolecules, precision machining of biomaterials with lasers, novel devices made to nanometric tolerances and nano-sized particles for drug delivery systems. The interaction of cells with nanotextured surfaces is another area in which nanotechnology may play an important role in fixation for joint prostheses and tissue repair.