Recent advances in biomedical applications of smart nanomaterials: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Smart nanomaterials (NMs) have emerged as a transformative tool in biomedical field owing to their distinct physicochemical possessions and multifunctional abilities. In this comprehensive review, we have featured the current advancements in utilization of smart NMs in four critical domains of biomedical science: (i) wound healing, (ii) cancer theranostic, (iii) tissue engineering and regeneration, and (iv) nanotoxicity assessment. In the first section, we have discussed the wound healing applications of metallic and non-metallic smart NMs in controlled drug delivery, rapid tissue repair/regeneration, and antimicrobial properties in synergism with photodynamic and photothermal therapy. The second section encompasses recent breakthroughs in cancer theranostic that leverages the dual functionality of smart NMs for simultaneous diagnosis and therapy. Nanocarriers designed with imaging agents and therapeutic payloads enable targeted drug delivery along with reduction in side effects and improvement in treatment efficacy. The integration of stimuli-responsive mechanisms, such as pH and temperature sensitivity, further enhances their theranostic potential. The third section underscores NMs based efficient scaffolds and 3-dimensional (3D) bioprinting strategies to boost tissue engineering and regeneration by delivering growth factors, genetic materials, and bioactive chemicals. The fourth section encompasses recent breakthroughs in nanotoxicity assessment through in vitro, in vivo, and in silico approaches. The section also includes key toxicity mechanisms and challenges of smart nanomaterials in clinical translation.

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