Nanomaterials in biomedical applications: opportunities and challenges—a review

The enormous surface area and unique physicochemical properties of nanoparticles render them advantageous in various applications, including electronics, medicine, ecology, and energy storage. They exhibit strong reactivity, possess a substantial surface area, and allow for modifications in surface chemistry, rendering them ideal for biosensing, drug administration, and medical imaging. A targeted cancer therapy strategy known as magnetic hyperthermia employs nanomaterials to enhance the efficacy of anticancer and antibacterial treatments. Moreover, nanoparticles are essential in the advancement of enhanced drug delivery systems, facilitating the accurate and controlled release of pharmaceuticals. The two primary synthesis methodologies, referred to as top-down and bottom-up, each provide distinct advantages. Top-down methods for regulating particle size encompass ball milling and laser ablation. Nonetheless, these approaches may generate defects that yield exceedingly small particles. Despite being more complex and time-intensive, constructing nanomaterials atom by atom, usually via chemical or biological synthesis, provides enhanced structural control and purity through the bottom-up approach. The utilization of nanoparticles in biomedical devices offers numerous advantages. These encompass enhanced imaging, individualized medicine administration, and the capacity for early disease detection. Obstacles that restrict clinical usefulness encompass biocompatibility, potential cytotoxicity, and regulatory challenges. This review examines the biomedical applications of nanomaterials, the challenges encountered thus far, and potential solutions to address these issues.