Boron nitride nanotubes are structural analogues of carbon nanotubes in nature: alternating B and N atoms entirely substitute for C atoms in a graphitic like sheet with almost no change in atomic spacing. Despite their unique physical and chemical properties, their use has not yet been exploited in the nanomedicine field. In this Opinion, the authors briefly summarize the results of their studies on the interactions between boron nitride nanotubes and living cells and outline future and realistic applications for their use in the biomedical field. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.