With reference to the use of nanotechnology in health sector, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1) Targeted drug delivery is made possible by nanotechnology.  2) Nanotechnology can largely contribute to gene therapy.  Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

Both statements are correct, so the answer is C. Nanotechnology works at roughly 1 to 100 nanometres, where particles can be engineered to carry drugs, genes or imaging agents to specific cells.

• Statement 1 is correct: Nanocarriers such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles and dendrimers can encapsulate a drug, protect it from degradation, and release it at the diseased site. Targeted anticancer delivery is the standard example, because it reduces damage to healthy tissue.
• Statement 2 is correct: Gene therapy needs a vector to carry a therapeutic gene into the cell. Non-viral nanovectors, such as lipid nanoparticles and cationic polymers, are being developed as safer alternatives to viral vectors. The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines rely on lipid nanoparticles, a strong recent illustration.

Options A and B each reject a correct statement, and D rejects both. Core concept: nanoscale carriers and surface engineering. Mains link: GS-III (biotechnology, science and technology) and the ethical issues of nanomedicine, such as toxicity and access cost.

Trap: Students often assume gene therapy cannot work without viral vectors, or think nanotechnology is only a diagnostic tool. Both statements are about application, and the question rewards knowing the delivery role of nanoparticles.