Functionalization and Characterization of Smart and Sustainable Nanomaterials

Nanotechnology has attracted considerable attention due to its wide-ranging applications in various fields such as agriculture, sensors, and biomedicine. At the nanoscale, materials exhibit unique physical, chemical, and biological properties—including thermal, mechanical, electrical, and antimicrobial characteristics—that differ significantly from their bulk counterparts. Healthcare remains a fundamental responsibility of every nation. Effective disease management requires accurate and timely identification and diagnosis. However, conventional diagnostic and therapeutic methods are often time-consuming and costly, limiting their effectiveness in the current technological era. Smart nanomaterials, which are sustainable and highly tunable, have emerged as promising candidates for advancing digital healthcare solutions. The fabrication of smart nanomaterials for specific applications is challenging, as it demands precise control over morphology and surface functionalization. Optimization of these parameters, typically achieved through spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, is essential for enhancing performance. This chapter provides a detailed discussion of various functionalization strategies for developing smart nanomaterials, along with an overview of various spectroscopic, microscopic, thermal, and mechanical characterization methods used for the classification of smart nanomaterials. The aim is to strengthen understanding of smart and sustainable nanomaterials for digital healthcare applications, while addressing current challenges and outlining future research directions.