Nanoprobe
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Real life nanoprobes
The nanoprobe has been developed by tapering an optical fiber at a tip measuring a minuscule 100 nm. Additionally, a very thin coating of silver nanoparticles helps to enhance the Raman scattering effect of the light. (The phenomenon of light reflection from an object when illuminated by a laser light is referred to as Raman Scattering.)The reflected light demonstrates vibration energies unique to each object (samples in this case), which can be characterised and identified. The silver nanoparticles in this technique provides for the rapid oscillations of electrons, adding to vibration energies, and thus enhancing Raman Scattering--commonly known as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). These SERS nanoprobes produce higher electromagnetic fields enabling higher signal output--eventually resulting in accurate detection and analysis of samples. - frost.com[1]
Borg nanoprobes
Nanoprobes are a fictional, technological device from the Star Trek TV series, most commonly used by the race known as the Borg as a method for assimilation of individual people into their society.
These nanoprobes are microscopic machines that inhabit a Borg's body, bloodstream, and many cybernetic implants. The probes perform the function of maintaining the Borg cybernetic systems, as well as repairing damage to the organic parts of a Borg. They generate new technology inside a Borg when needed as well as protecting them from many forms of disease and virus.
Nanoprobes as an assimilation system
The Nanoprobes are perhaps the Borg's biggest technological threat to those that encounter them, bar their immense vessels and sheer numbers. The Borg exist to add new information and technology to their collective mind, to become ever more expansive until all species and aliens are added to their numbers; to gain all the knowledge of the universe. To do this the Borg inject the nanoprobes through two tubules, into a person's body and bloodstream, in their hundreds and thousands. They then begin the process, against the host's will, of transforming their body into a half-organic, half-mechanical being. All forms of individual thought are suppressed to make way for collective consciousness, and new enhancements are added to the brain for this form of communication. Transformation is quick, taking only minutes for most species. However there are some species that are more insusceptible to the probes.
Resistance to nanoprobes
The most resistant species to Borg nanoprobes is Species 8472, a race of aliens whose cells are extremely powerful in combating biological, technological and chemical threats. On first contact with 8472, the Borg had no luck in assimilating the species. However, with the assistance of the federation starship Voyager, the Borg reprogrammed the probes to attack and denature the 8472 species cells, killing them. It is unknown whether this one modification to nanoprobe technology will allow the Borg to soon asimilate species 8472 into their collective.
Denobulan physiology too seems resistant to the nanoprobes, as is seen is Enterprise series two episode, "Regeneration".
Medical and technological uses of nanoprobe technology
Though used by the Borg to exert control over another being, nanoprobes were used by the crew of the starship Voyager in many instances as medical aides. The probes were used to revive crewman Neelix some hours after death by repairing his body, as are they used to treat various visitors' ailments. In technological uses, nanoprobes were seemingly used by the individual Borg drone known as One to reinforce Voyager's shield and enhance their weapons, in the episode "Drone".