Nanomaterials and nanotechnology in otolaryngology: a narrative review.

Abstract

We reviewed usage of nanomaterials and nanotechnology in otolaryngology. The literature search in this narrative review used Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, EBSCO, Proquest Central, Proquest Central, Web of Science and Scopus at Kırıkkale University. We searched for "Nanomaterials," "nanotechnology," "otolaryngology," "rhinology," "laryngology," "head and neck," and "otology" between 2020 and 2025. Clinical trials, retrospective studies, reviews and experimental studies were included into this paper. Nanomaterials and nanoparticles (NPs) have the potential to transform medical care. NPs can bypass traditional therapeutic barriers because of their small size. Potential applications of nanoparticles include drug delivery and cell-to-cell communication. In rhinology, Amphotericin B was delivered using gelatine nanoparticles without significant nephrotoxicity or hematological side effects. In cases ranging from obvious vascular bleeding to cerebral hemorrhage, N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide formed a nanofiber barrier that achieved rapid and complete hemostasis. In medical nanotechnology, cancer theranostics is currently a leading field. In otology, nanotechnology is used for the cochlear implant. Creating nanofibrous scaffolds with synthetic, biomimetic extracellular matrix analogs holds great promise for regenerative medicine. Advantages of nanotechnology over conventional methods are targeted delivery, reduced side effects, biosafety and scalable production in the fields of rhinology, laryngology, head & neck, and otology.