Nanotechnology, building on advances in nanoscience, has developed substantially over the past decade. In this Review, Cameron Brown outlines applications of nanotechnology that are advancing understanding in rheumatology and musculoskeletal research, including labelling, imaging and targeting techniques used to probe and manipulate cell behaviour. Nanoscale therapeutics might also enter the rheumatology clinic in future, but the potential for adverse events must first be explored; data accumulated in life-threatening illnesses will inform developments for chronic conditions.
