Nanomaterials for Cryomedicine: Classification, Mechanisms, and Applications

Abstract

Cold temperatures exhibit a broader safety margin than hyperthermia, thereby enhancing their controllability and compatibility within biological systems. Nanomaterials with diverse structures and rich functionalities can respond to cold temperatures, thereby converting physical signals from cold environments into actionable effects. The advancement of nanomaterials and nanotechnology has expanded the impact of cold temperatures on biological systems, fostering the emergence of cryomedicine as a multidisciplinary field. In this review, cold temperature-responsive nanomaterials are categorized into thermally conductive nanomaterials, phase-change nanomaterials, temperature-sensitive polymer nanomaterials, pyroelectric nanomaterials, and thermoelectric nanomaterials. The methods and devices for applying cold temperatures are summarized, with emphasis on the intelligent cold temperature equipment. Furthermore, the biomedical applications of cold temperature-responsive nanomaterials are summarized and discussed, including cryoablation, drug delivery, cell cryopreservation, cold catalytic therapy, antimicrobial therapy, biosensing, and electronic skin. Finally, the perspectives on the challenges and potential solutions of cold temperature-responsive nanomaterials in biomedicine are provided, aiming to offer insights for the advancement of cryomedicine.