From biosensing to tissue engineering: The multifaceted role of functional nanomaterials

Functionalization of nanomaterials is increasingly becoming foundational for enhancing applications of nanomaterials across various fields. Important focus on materials for biological applications, such as improving the sensitivity and selectivity of biosensors, new materials for accelerating tissue engineering, including wound healing, and biomolecule functionalization for efficient drug delivery, is shown to be achieved via the functional nanomaterial’s pathway. This review details what and how the functionalization of nanomaterials is impacting the advancement of biosensors, from sensing of biologically important molecules to increasing the limit of detection, detection range, increased cell-penetration, to higher drug loading for drug delivery systems, and incorporation of wound healing properties to accelerate tissue repair. Utilizing the inherent Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) properties of certain nanomaterials like metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, carbon-based nanomaterials, and how functionalization further augments the efficiency of the biosensors is discussed in detail. Developing new drug delivery systems by utilizing biomolecules coupled with nanoparticles, which are shown to increase the solubility, targeting, and mobility of the drug for proficient treatment of disease, is discussed in detail. Functionalization of nanomaterials enables the tailoring of properties to enhance tissue repair and wound healing, while also incorporating medicinal activities such as anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Cytotoxicity and bio-compatibility of the nanomaterials are also highlighted in the discussion since they determine the extent of applicability of the materials in real-time biological applications.