Biocompatibility of nanomaterials in medical applications

Abstract

Biocompatibility is a critical factor in the application of nanomaterials in medical fields, as these materials must interact safely and effectively with biological systems to be viable for therapeutic and diagnostic use. This article investigates this feature, focusing on the interactions of nanomaterials with cells, tissues, and the immune system. Key properties such as surface chemistry, size, shape, and material composition are examined for their influence on the biological response. The article also explores the role of nanomaterials in medical applications, including drug delivery, diagnostic imaging, and tissue engineering, while discussing the challenges involved in enhancing their biocompatibility. A case study on the calcium oxide (CaO)-calcium phosphate (CaP) binary system is presented, showcasing its potential in bone tissue engineering, particularly its osteoinductive properties and ability to mimic the bone mineral content. The analysis underscores both its therapeutic potential and the biocompatibility concerns of CaO-CaP scaffolds. The article concludes by outlining strategies to optimize nanomaterial biocompatibility and future directions for their translation into medical applications.

Keywords

Biocompatibility / Calcium oxide-calcium phosphate system / Nanomaterials / Tissue-engineering / Osteointegration / Regeneration

Funding

None.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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