Graphene-based nanomaterials for bioimaging

The utilization of quantum dot labeling as a burgeoning technique in the field of biological imaging

Quantum dots (QDs), with their unique optical and physical properties, have revolutionized the field of biological imaging, providing researchers with tools to explore cellular processes and molecular interactions in unprecedented detail. This review explores the diverse properties of QDs, emphasizing their application in biological imaging and addressing both their advantages and challenges. We discuss the developments in QD technology that have facilitated their integration into bioimaging, highlighting the role of surface modifications in enhancing their biocompatibility and functionality. The varied applications of QDs in both in vitro and in vivo imaging settings are examined, showcasing their capacity to deliver brighter, more stable, and multiplexed imaging solutions compared to traditional fluorescent dyes. Furthermore, we delve into the challenges associated with QD use, particularly concerns regarding their potential toxicity and long-term effects on biological systems, and explore ongoing research aimed at mitigating these issues. Finally, we discuss future directions in QD technology, anticipating advancements that will further solidify their role in biological imaging and open up new avenues for scientific exploration.

Aromatic Amino Acid-Dependent Surface Assembly of Amphiphilic Peptides for One-Step Graphite Exfoliation and Graphene Functionalization

Amphiphilic peptides show great potential for exfoliating graphite and functionalizing graphene. However, the variety of amino acids complicates our understanding of the underlying mechanisms. In this study, we designed four peptides (C6W1, C6W2, C6W4, and C6W6) with different amounts of aromatic tryptophan amino acids and two additional peptides (C6F4 and C6Y4) by substituting tryptophan with aromatic phenylalanine or tyrosine. This allowed us to investigate the processes and mechanisms of graphite exfoliation and graphene functionalization. Using experimental and computational methods, we discovered that peptides containing tryptophan demonstrated higher exfoliation efficiency and increased tryptophan content further improved this efficiency, resulting in more peptide-functionalized graphene layers. Significantly, the primary driving force for the surface-assisted assembly of peptides on graphite is the π-π stacking interaction between the aromatic ring contributed by aromatic amino acids and the hexagonal rings of the graphite surface. This interaction leads to a layer-by-layer exfoliation mechanism. Our research offers valuable insights into peptide design strategies for one-step graphite exfoliation and graphene functionalization in aqueous environments.

Recent Advances in Graphene Oxide-Based on Organoid Culture as Disease Model and Cell Behavior - A Systematic Literature Review

Due to their ability to replicate the in vivo microenvironment through cell interaction and induce cells to stimulate cell function, three-dimensional cell culture models can overcome the limitations of two-dimensional models. Organoids are 3D models that demonstrate the ability to replicate the natural structure of an organ. In most organoid tissue cultures, matrigel made of a mouse tumor extracellular matrix protein mixture is an essential ingredient. However, its tumor-derived origin, batch-to-batch variation, high cost, and safety concerns have limited the usefulness of organoid drug development and regenerative medicine. Its clinical application has also been hindered by the fact that organoid generation is dependent on the use of poorly defined matrices. Therefore, matrix optimization is a crucial step in developing organoid culture that introduces alternatives as different materials. Recently, a variety of substitute materials has reportedly replaced matrigel. The purpose of this study is to review the significance of the latest advances in materials for cell culture applications and how they enhance build network systems by generating proper cell behavior. Excellence in cell behavior is evaluated from their cell characteristics, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and even gene expression. As a result, graphene oxide as a matrix optimization demonstrated high potency in developing organoid models. Graphene oxide can promote good cell behavior and is well known for having good biocompatibility. Hence, advances in matrix optimization of graphene oxide provide opportunities for the future development of advanced organoid models.

Nanoplatform based on carbon nanoparticles loaded with doxorubicin enhances apoptosis by generating reactive oxygen species for effective cancer therapy

At present, due to its wide application and relatively low cost, chemotherapy remains a clinically important cancer treatment option; however, a number of chemotherapeutic drugs have important limitations, such as lack of specificity, high toxicity and side effects, and multi-drug resistance. The emergence of nanocarriers has removed numerous clinical application limitations of certain antitumor chemotherapy drugs and has been widely used in the treatment of tumors with nanodrugs. The present study used carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) as a nanocarrier for doxorubicin (DOX) to form the novel nanomedicine delivery system (CNPs@DOX)was demonstrated by UV-vis and fluorescence spectrophotometry, ζ potential and TEM characterization experiments. The results confirmed the successful preparation of CNPs@DOX nanoparticles with a particle size of 96±17 nm, a wide range of absorption and a negatively charged surface. Furthermore, CNPs@DOX produced more reactive oxygen species and induced apoptosis, and thus exhibited higher cytotoxicity than DOX, which is a small molecule anticancer drug without a nanocarrier delivery system.. The present study provides a strategy for the treatment of tumors with nanomedicine.

Graphene quantum dots for biosensing and bioimaging

Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs) are low dimensional carbon based materials with interesting physical, chemical and biological properties that enable their applications in numerous fields. GQDs possess unique electronic structures that impart special functional attributes such as tunable optical/electrical properties in addition to heteroatom-doping and more importantly a propensity for surface functionalization for applications in biosensing and bioimaging. Herein, we review the recent advancements in the top-down and bottom-up approaches for the synthesis of GQDs. Following this, we present a detailed review of the various surface properties of GQDs and their applications in bioimaging and biosensing. GQDs have been used for fluorescence imaging for visualizing tumours and monitoring the therapeutic responses in addition to magnetic resonance imaging applications. Similarly, the photoluminescence based biosensing applications of GQDs for the detection of hydrogen peroxide, micro RNA, DNA, horse radish peroxidase, heavy metal ions, negatively charged ions, cardiac troponin, etc. are discussed in this review. Finally, we conclude the review with a discussion on future prospects.

Sensing, Imaging, and Therapeutic Strategies Endowing by Conjugate Polymers for Precision Medicine

Conjugated polymers (CPs) have promising applications in biomedical fields, such as disease monitoring, real-time imaging diagnosis, and disease treatment. As a promising luminescent material with tunable emission, high brightness and excellent stability, CPs are widely used as fluorescent probes in biological detection and imaging. Rational molecular design and structural optimization have broadened absorption/emission range of CPs, which are more conductive for disease diagnosis and precision therapy. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the application of CPs, aiming to elucidate their structural and functional relationships. The fluorescence properties of CPs and the mechanism of detection signal amplification are first discussed, followed by an elucidation of their emerging applications in biological detection. Subsequently, CPs-based imaging systems and therapeutic strategies are illustrated systematically. Finally, recent advancements in utilizing CPs as electroactive materials for bioelectronic devices are also investigated. Moreover, the challenges and outlooks of CPs for precision medicine are discussed. Through this systematic review, it is hoped to highlight the frontier progress of CPs and promote new breakthroughs in fundamental research and clinical transformation.

Enhancing anti-neuroinflammation effect of X-ray-triggered RuFe-based metal-organic framework with dual enzyme-like activities

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI), often resulting from external physical trauma, initiates a series of complex pathophysiological cascades, with severe cases leading to paralysis and presenting significant clinical challenges. Traditional diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, particularly X-ray imaging, are prevalent in clinical practice, yet the limited efficacy and notable side effects of pharmacological treatments at the injury site continue to pose substantial hurdles. Addressing these challenges, recent advancements have been made in the development of multifunctional nanotechnology and synergistic therapies, enhancing both the efficacy and safety of radiographic techniques. In this context, we have developed an innovative nerve regeneration and neuroprotection nanoplatform utilizing an X-ray-triggered, on-demand RuFe metal-organic framework (P-RuFe) for SCI recovery. This platform is designed to simulate the enzymatic activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase, effectively reducing the production of reactive oxygen species, and to remove free radicals and reactive nitrogen species, thereby protecting cells from oxidative stress-induced damage. In vivo studies have shown that the combination of P-RuFe and X-ray treatment significantly reduces mortality in SCI mouse models and promotes spinal cord repair by inhibiting glial cell proliferation and neuroinflammation. P-RuFe demonstrates excellent potential as a safe, effective scavenger of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, offering good stability, biocompatibility, and high catalytic activity, and thus holds promise for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases.

Disentangling the intrinsic relaxivities of highly purified graphene oxide

The chemistry of contrast agents (CAs) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications is an active area of research and, in recent work, it was shown that CA-based graphene oxide (GO) has valuable properties for biomedical uses. GO has a potential as MRI CAs thanks to several functionalities, like its ability to penetrate tissues and cell membranes, as well as easy coupling with therapeutic agents, therefore showing the potential for both a diagnostic and therapeutic role. In this study, we performed a thorough cleaning of the GO sample (synthesized using a modified Hummers method), minimizing the amount of residual manganese down to 73 ppm. Using a wide range of physical-chemical methods (morphology, chemical composition, elemental analysis, spectroscopies, and imaging), we characterized the intrinsic longitudinal and transverse relaxivities of highly purified GO nanosheets. X-band electron paramagnetic resonance allowed to recognize the paramagnetic species involved, and 1.0 T MRI was used to disentangle the relative contributions to the MRI contrast of pristine GO nanosheets arising from structural defects and residual paramagnetic manganese impurities embedded in the nanomaterial. Although experiments show that the MRI relaxivity of GO nanosheets arises from the cumulative effect of structural defects and paramagnetic impurities, we conclude that the latter contribution to the longitudinal and transverse relaxivities becomes irrelevant for highly purified (pristine) GO. This novel finding clearly demonstrates that, apart from trivial manganese inclusion, pristine GO produces an inherent MRI response via structural defects, and therefore it is on its own a suitable candidate as MRI contrast agent.

Shrimp Waste Upcycling: Unveiling the Potential of Polysaccharides, Proteins, Carotenoids, and Fatty Acids with Emphasis on Extraction Techniques and Bioactive Properties

Shrimp processing generates substantial waste, which is rich in valuable components such as polysaccharides, proteins, carotenoids, and fatty acids. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the valorization of shrimp waste, mainly shrimp shells, focusing on extraction methods, bioactivities, and potential applications of these bioactive compounds. Various extraction techniques, including chemical extraction, microbial fermentation, enzyme-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and pressurized techniques are discussed, highlighting their efficacy in isolating polysaccharides, proteins, carotenoids, and fatty acids from shrimp waste. Additionally, the bioactivities associated with these compounds, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties, among others, are elucidated, underscoring their potential in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical applications. Furthermore, the review explores current and potential utilization avenues for these bioactive compounds, emphasizing the importance of sustainable resource management and circular economy principles in maximizing the value of shrimp waste. Overall, this review paper aims to provide insights into the multifaceted aspects of shrimp waste valorization, offering valuable information for researchers, industries, and policymakers interested in sustainable resource utilization and waste-management strategies.

Two-dimensional nanomaterials induced nano-bio interfacial effects and biomedical applications in cancer treatment

Two-dimensional nanomaterials (2D NMs), characterized by a large number of atoms or molecules arranged in one dimension (typically thickness) while having tiny dimensions in the other two dimensions, have emerged as a pivotal class of materials with unique properties. Their flat and sheet-like structure imparts distinctive physical, chemical, and electronic attributes, which offers several advantages in biomedical applications, including enhanced surface area for efficient drug loading, surface-exposed atoms allowing precise chemical modifications, and the ability to form hierarchical multilayer structures for synergistic functionality. Exploring their nano-bio interfacial interactions with biological components holds significant importance in comprehensively and systematically guiding safe applications. However, the current lack of in-depth analysis and comprehensive understanding of interfacial effects on cancer treatment motivates our ongoing efforts in this field. This study provides a comprehensive survey of recent advances in utilizing 2D NMs for cancer treatment. It offers insights into the structural characteristics, synthesis methods, and surface modifications of diverse 2D NMs. The investigation further delves into the formation of nano-bio interfaces during their in vivo utilization. Notably, the study discusses a wide array of biomedical applications in cancer treatment. With their potential to revolutionize therapeutic strategies and outcomes, 2D NMs are poised at the forefront of cancer treatment, holding the promise of transformative advancements.

Biodegradable Nanocomposite of ZnS(Mn) Quantum Dots Immobilized Graphene Oxide for Bioimaging Applications

Developing a biocompatible and biodegradable graphene-based fluorescent nanoprobe with the ability to visualize live cells could be interesting for intracellular imaging and monitoring the efficiency of chemotherapy. Herein, we report a biodegradable and biocompatible hybrid fluorescent graphene oxide (GO)-ZnS(Mn) composite synthesized via in situ growth of ZnS(Mn) quantum dots (QDs) on the surface of GO in the aqueous medium. The prepared 'GO-ZnS(Mn)' composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) along with selected area electron diffraction (SAED). Further, the fluorescence properties of the GO-ZnS(Mn) composite were studied using fluorescence emission spectroscopy. The composite material exhibited a strong and broad visible light fluorescence from 500 to 600 nm by excitation with 365 nm (UV) light. The cytotoxic experiments of folic acid (FA) conjugated GO-ZnS(Mn) using MTT [(3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide)] assay revealed that the composite had excellent biocompatibility even at higher concentrations up to 200 µg/mL in HeLa cell lines. Next, the bioimaging experiments carried out using confocal fluorescence laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) revealed that GO-ZnS(Mn) composite was taken up by the HeLa cells effectively within 12 h of incubation via receptor (folate) mediated endocytosis with strong fluorescence throughout the cell surface. Finally, the biodegradability of GO-ZnS(Mn) composite was studied by treating it with human myeloperoxidase enzyme (hMPO) isolated from the primary immune cells, neutrophils, which is important to understand the in vivo fate of GO-Zns(Mn). The HR-TEM and Raman analyses confirmed the biodegradation of GO-ZnS(Mn) within 15 h of hMPO treatment. Thus, the biodegradable GO-ZnS (Mn) composite could be helpful for chemotherapy and bioimaging applications.

Progress in the Treatment of Peritoneal Metastatic Cancer and the Application of Therapeutic Nanoagents

Peritoneal metastatic cancer is a cancer caused by the direct growth of cancer cells from the primary site through the bloodstream, lymph, or peritoneum, which is a difficult part of current clinical treatment. In the abdominal cavity of patients with metastatic peritoneal cancer, there are usually nodules of various sizes and malignant ascites. Among them, nodules of different sizes can obstruct intestinal movement and form intestinal obstruction, while malignant ascites can cause abdominal distension and discomfort, and even cause patients to have difficulty in breathing. The pathology and physiology of peritoneal metastatic cancer are complex and not fully understood. The main hypothesis is "seed" and "soil"; i.e., cells from the primary tumor are shed and implanted in the peritoneal cavity (peritoneal metastasis). In the last two decades, the main treatment modalities used clinically are cytoreductive surgery (CRS), systemic chemotherapy, intraperitoneal chemotherapy, and combined treatment, all of which help to improve patient survival and quality of life (QOL). However, the small-molecule chemotherapeutic drugs used clinically still have problems such as rapid drug metabolism and systemic toxicity. With the rapid development of nanotechnology in recent years, therapeutic nanoagents for the treatment of peritoneal metastatic cancer have been gradually developed, which has improved the therapeutic effect and reduced the systemic toxicity of small-molecule chemotherapeutic drugs to a certain extent. In addition, nanomaterials have been developed not only as therapeutic agents but also as imaging agents to guide peritoneal tumor CRS. In this review, we describe the etiology and pathological features of peritoneal metastatic cancer, discuss in detail the clinical treatments that have been used for peritoneal metastatic cancer, and analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the different clinical treatments and the QOL of the treated patients, followed by a discussion focusing on the progress, obstacles, and challenges in the use of therapeutic nanoagents in peritoneal metastatic cancer. Finally, therapeutic nanoagents and therapeutic tools that may be used in the future for the treatment of peritoneal metastatic cancer are prospected.

Recent advances in nanomaterial-based drug delivery systems for melanoma therapy

Background and Purpose

Safe and effective drug delivery is crucial for the treatment of cancer, which is quite impossible to achieve through traditional methods. Among all types of cancer, skin melanoma is known for its aggressive metastasizing ability and an unprecedented higher degree of lethalness, limiting the overall therapeutic efficacy. Here, we focus on the different types of nanomaterials (NMs) and their drug delivery applications against melanoma.

Experimental Approach

All relevant publications, including research papers, reviews, chapters and patents, were assessed using search engines such as Scopus and PubMed, up to the end of August of 2023. The keywords used in the search were: nanomaterials, melanoma, drug delivery routes for melanoma, and nanomaterial-based drug delivery systems (DDS). Most of the publications out of 234 cited in this review are from the last five years.

Key Results

The recent advancement and mechanism of action of various NMs against melanoma, including inorganic metallic and carbon-based NMs, organic polymeric and lipid-based NMs, and cell-derived vesicles are discussed. We also focus on the application of different NMs in the delivery of therapeutic agents for melanoma therapy. In addition, the skin and melanoma, genetic mutation and pathways for melanoma, conventional treatment options, and delivery routes for therapeutic agents are also discussed briefly.

Conclusion

There are few NM-based DDS developed in the lab set up recently. The findings of this review will pave the path for the development of NM-based DDS on an industrial scale and help in the better management of skin melanoma.

NIR-II Nanoprobes: A Review of Components-Based Approaches to Next-Generation Bioimaging Probes

Fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging techniques offer valuable insights into cell- and tissue-level processes. However, these optical imaging modalities are limited by scattering and absorption in tissue, resulting in the low-depth penetration of imaging. Contrast-enhanced imaging in the near-infrared window improves imaging penetration by taking advantage of reduced autofluorescence and scattering effects. Current contrast agents for fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging face several limitations from photostability and targeting specificity, highlighting the need for a novel imaging probe development. This review covers a broad range of near-infrared fluorescent and photoacoustic contrast agents, including organic dyes, polymers, and metallic nanostructures, focusing on their optical properties and applications in cellular and animal imaging. Similarly, we explore encapsulation and functionalization technologies toward building targeted, nanoscale imaging probes. Bioimaging applications such as angiography, tumor imaging, and the tracking of specific cell types are discussed. This review sheds light on recent advancements in fluorescent and photoacoustic nanoprobes in the near-infrared window. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers working in fields of biomedical imaging and nanotechnology, facilitating the development of innovative nanoprobes for improved diagnostic approaches in preclinical healthcare.

Recent advances and prospects for lipid-based nanoparticles as drug carriers in the treatment of human retinal diseases

The delivery of cures for retinal diseases remains problematic. There are four main challenges: passing through multiple barriers of the eye, the delivery to particular retinal cell types, the capability to carry different forms of therapeutic cargo and long-term therapeutic efficacy. Lipid-based nanoparticles (LBNPs) are potent to overcome these challenges due to their unique merits: amphiphilic nanoarchitectures to pass biological barriers, vary modifications with specific affinity to target cell types, flexible capacity for large and mixed types of cargos and slow-release formulations for long-term treatment. We have reviewed the latest research on the applications of LBNPs for treating retinal diseases and categorized them by different payloads. Furthermore, we identified technical barriers and discussed possible future development for LBNPs to expand the therapeutic potential in treating retinal diseases.

Application of Nanoparticles in the Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Diseases: A Complete Future Perspective

The diagnosis of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases currently relies primarily on invasive procedures like digestive endoscopy. However, these procedures can cause discomfort, respiratory issues, and bacterial infections in patients, both during and after the examination. In recent years, nanomedicine has emerged as a promising field, providing significant advancements in diagnostic techniques. Nanoprobes, in particular, offer distinct advantages, such as high specificity and sensitivity in detecting GI diseases. Integration of nanoprobes with advanced imaging techniques, such as nuclear magnetic resonance, optical fluorescence imaging, tomography, and optical correlation tomography, has significantly enhanced the detection capabilities for GI tumors and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This synergy enables early diagnosis and precise staging of GI disorders. Among the nanoparticles investigated for clinical applications, superparamagnetic iron oxide, quantum dots, single carbon nanotubes, and nanocages have emerged as extensively studied and utilized agents. This review aimed to provide insights into the potential applications of nanoparticles in modern imaging techniques, with a specific focus on their role in facilitating early and specific diagnosis of a range of GI disorders, including IBD and colorectal cancer (CRC). Additionally, we discussed the challenges associated with the implementation of nanotechnology-based GI diagnostics and explored future prospects for translation in this promising field.

GPP-TSAIII nanocomposite hydrogel-based photothermal ablation facilitates melanoma therapy

BACKGROUND

Photothermal therapy (PTT) is a promising cancer treatment, but its application is limited by low photoconversion efficiency. In this study, we aimed to develop a novel graphene oxide (GO)-based nanocomposite hydrogel to improve the bioavailability of timosaponin AIII (TSAIII) while maximizing PTT efficacy and enhancing the antitumor effect.

METHODS

GO was modified via physical cross-linking with polyvinyl alcohol. The pore structure of the gel was adjusted by repeated freeze-thawing and the addition of polyethylene glycol 2000 to obtain a nanocomposite hydrogel (GPP). The GPP loaded with TSAIII constituted a GPP-TSAIII drug delivery system, and its efficacy was evaluated by in vitro cytotoxicity, apoptosis, migration, and uptake analyses, and in vivo antitumor studies.

RESULTS

The encapsulation rate of GPP-TSAIII was 66.36 ± 3.97%, with slower in vitro release and higher tumor cell uptake (6.4-fold) compared to TSAIII. GPP-TSAIII in combination with PTT showed better bioavailability and antitumor effects in vivo than did TSAIII, with a 1.9-fold higher tumor suppression rate than the TSAIII group.

CONCLUSIONS

GPP is a potential vehicle for delivery of TSAIII-like poor water-soluble anticancer drugs. The innovative PTT co-delivery system may serve as a safe and effective melanoma treatment platform for further anticancer translational purposes.

Activatable Graphene Quantum-Dot-Based Nanotransformers for Long-Period Tumor Imaging and Repeated Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is considered as an emerging therapeutic modality against cancer with high spatiotemporal selectivity because the utilized photosensitizers (PSs) are only active and toxic upon light irradiation. To maximize its effectiveness, PDT is usually applied repetitively for ablating various tumors. However, the total overdose of PSs from repeated administrations causes severe side effects. Herein, acidity-activated graphene quantum dots-based nanotransformers (GQD NT) are developed as PS vehicles for long-period tumor imaging and repeated PDT. Under the guidance of Arg-Gly-Asp peptide, GQD NT targets to tumor tissues actively, and then loosens and enlarges in tumor acidity, thus promising long tumor retention. Afterwards, GQD NT transforms into small pieces for better penetration in tumor. Upon laser irradiation, GQD NT generates mild hyperthermia that enhances cell membrane permeability and further promotes the PSs uptake. Most intriguingly, the as-prepared GQD NT not only "turns-on" fluorescence/magnetic resonance signals, but also achieves efficient repeated PDT. Notably, the total PSs dose is reduced to 3.5 µmol kg^-1 , which is 10-30 times lower than that of other reported works. Overall, this study exploits a smart vehicle to enhance accumulation, retention, and release of PSs in tumors through programmed deformation, thus overcoming the overdose obstacle in repeated PDT.

Chitosan nanoparticles efficiently enhance the dispersibility, stability and selective antibacterial activity of insoluble isoflavonoids

Natural isoflavonoids have attracted much attention in the treatment of oral bacterial infections and other diseases due to their excellent antibacterial activity and safety. However, their poor water solubility, instability and low bioavailability seriously limited the practical application. In this study, licoricidin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (LC-CSNPs) were synthesized by self-assembly for improving the dispersion of licoricidin (LC) and strengthening antibacterial and anti-biofilm performance. Compared to free LC, the minimum inhibitory concentration of LC-CSNPs against Streptococcus mutans decreased >2-fold to 26 μg/mL, and LC-CSNPs could ablate 70 % biofilms at this concentration. The enhanced antibacterial activity was mainly attributed to the spontaneous surface adsorption of LC-CSNPs on cell membranes through electrostatic interactions. More valuably, LC-CSNPs had no inhibitory effect on the growth of probiotic. Mechanism study indicated that LC-CSNPs altered the transmembrane potential to cause bacterial cells in a hyperpolarized state, generating ROS to cause cells damage and eventually apoptosis. This work demonstrated that the chitosan-based nanoparticles have great potential in enhancing the dispersibility and antibacterial activity of insoluble isoflavonoids, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for oral infections.

Photoluminescent Scaffolds Based on Natural and Synthetic Biodegradable Polymers for Bioimaging and Tissue Engineering

Non-invasive visualization and monitoring of tissue-engineered structures in a living organism is a challenge. One possible solution to this problem is to use upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) as photoluminescent nanomarkers in scaffolds. We synthesized and studied scaffolds based on natural (collagen-COL and hyaluronic acid-HA) and synthetic (polylactic-co-glycolic acids-PLGA) polymers loaded with β-NaYF₄:Yb³⁺, Er³⁺ nanocrystals (21 ± 6 nm). Histomorphological analysis of tissue response to subcutaneous implantation of the polymer scaffolds in BALB/c mice was performed. The inflammatory response of the surrounding tissues was found to be weak for scaffolds based on HA and PLGA and moderate for COL scaffolds. An epi-luminescent imaging system with 975 nm laser excitation was used for in vivo visualization and photoluminescent analysis of implanted scaffolds. We demonstrated that the UCNPs' photoluminescent signal monotonously decreased in all the examined scaffolds, indicating their gradual biodegradation followed by the release of photoluminescent nanoparticles into the surrounding tissues. In general, the data obtained from the photoluminescent analysis correlated satisfactorily with the histomorphological analysis.

Does Green Exfoliation of Graphene Produce More Biocompatible Structures?

Graphene has been studied thoroughly for its use in biomedical applications over the last decades. A crucial factor for a material to be used in such applications is its biocompatibility. Various factors affect the biocompatibility and toxicity of graphene structures, including lateral size, number of layers, surface functionalization, and way of production. In this work, we tested that the green production of few-layer bio-graphene (bG) enhances its biocompatibility compared to chemical-graphene (cG). When tested against three different cell lines in terms of MTT assays, both materials proved to be well-tolerated at a wide range of doses. However, high doses of cG induce long-term toxicity and have a tendency for apoptosis. Neither bG nor cG induced ROS generation or cell cycle modifications. Finally, both materials affect the expression of inflammatory proteins such as Nrf2, NF-kB and HO-1 but further research is required for a safe result. In conclusion, although there is little to choose between bG and cG, bG's sustainable way of production makes it a much more attractive and promising candidate for biomedical applications.

Synthesis and Functionalization of Graphene Materials for Biomedical Applications: Recent Advances, Challenges, and Perspectives

Since its discovery in 2004, graphene is increasingly applied in various fields owing to its unique properties. Graphene application in the biomedical domain is promising and intriguing as an emerging 2D material with a high surface area, good mechanical properties, and unrivalled electronic and physical properties. This review summarizes six typical synthesis methods to fabricate pristine graphene (p-G), graphene oxide (GO), and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), followed by characterization techniques to examine the obtained graphene materials. As bare graphene is generally undesirable in vivo and in vitro, functionalization methods to reduce toxicity, increase biocompatibility, and provide more functionalities are demonstrated. Subsequently, in vivo and in vitro behaviors of various bare and functionalized graphene materials are discussed to evaluate the functionalization effects. Reasonable control of dose (<20 mg kg^-1 ), sizes (50-1000 nm), and functionalization methods for in vivo application are advantageous. Then, the key biomedical applications based on graphene materials are discussed, coupled with the current challenges and outlooks of this growing field. In a broader sense, this review provides a comprehensive discussion on the synthesis, characterization, functionalization, evaluation, and application of p-G, GO, and rGO in the biomedical field, highlighting their recent advances and potential.

Porous Framework Materials for Bioimaging and Cancer Therapy

Cancer remains one of the most pressing diseases in the world. Traditional treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy still show certain limitations. Recently, numerous cancer treatments have been proposed in combination with novel materials, such as photothermal therapy, chemodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, and a combination of therapeutic approaches. These new methods have shown significant advantages in reducing side effects and synergistically enhancing anti-cancer efficacy. In addition to the above approaches, early diagnosis and in situ monitoring of lesion areas are also important for reducing side effects and improving the success rate of cancer therapy. This depends on the decent use of bioimaging technology. In this review, we mainly summarize the recent advances in porous framework materials for bioimaging and cancer therapy. In addition, we present future challenges relating to bioimaging and cancer therapy based on porous framework materials.

Preparation and Evaluation of 64Cu-Radiolabled Dual-Ligand Multifunctional Gold Nanoparticles for Tumor Theragnosis

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are cutting-edge platforms for combined diagnostic and therapeutic approaches due to their exquisite physicochemical and optical properties. Using the AuNPs physically produced by femtosecond pulsed laser ablation of bulk Au in deionized water, with a capping agent-free surface, the conjugation of functional ligands onto the AuNPs can be tunable between 0% and 100% coverage. By taking advantage of this property, AuNPs functionalized by two different types of active targeting ligands with predetermined ratios were fabricated. The quantitatively controllable conjugation to construct a mixed monolayer of multiple biological molecules at a certain ratio onto the surface of AuNPs was achieved and a chelator-free ⁶⁴Cu-labeling method was developed. We report here the manufacture, radiosynthesis and bioevaluation of three different types of dual-ligand AuNPs functionalized with two distinct ligands selected from glucose, arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) peptide, and methotrexate (MTX) for tumor theragnosis. The preclinical evaluation demonstrated that tumor uptakes and retention of two components AuNP conjugates were higher than that of single-component AuNP conjugates. Notably, the glucose/MT- modified dual-ligand AuNP conjugates showed significant improvement in tumor uptake and retention. The novel nanoconjugates prepared in this study make it possible to integrate several modalities with a single AuNP for multimodality imaging and therapy, combining the power of chemo-, thermal- and radiation therapies together.

Recent advances in the medical applications of hemostatic materials

Bleeding caused by trauma or surgery is a serious health problem, and uncontrollable bleeding can result in death. Therefore, developing safe, effective, and convenient hemostatic materials is important. Active hemostatic agents currently used to investigate the field of hemostasis are divided into four broad categories: natural polymers, synthetic polymers, inorganic materials, and metal-containing materials. Hemostatic materials are prepared in various forms for wound care applications based on the active ingredients used. These materials include nanofibers, gels, sponges, and nanoparticles. Hemostatic materials find their applications in the field of wound care, and they are also used for hemostasis during malignant tumor surgery. Prompt and effective hemostasis can reduce the possibility of the spread of tumor cells with blood. This review discusses the outcomes of current research conducted in the field and the problems persisting in the field of developing hemostatic materials. The review also presents a platform for the further development of hemostatic materials. Bleeding caused by trauma or surgery is a serious health problem, and uncontrollable bleeding can result in death. Therefore, developing safe, effective, and convenient hemostatic materials is important. Active hemostatic agents currently used to investigate the field of hemostasis are divided into four broad categories: natural polymers, synthetic polymers, inorganic materials, and metal-containing materials. Hemostatic materials are prepared in various forms for wound care applications based on the active ingredients used. These materials include nanofibers, gels, sponges, and nanoparticles. Hemostatic materials find their applications in the field of wound care, and they are also used for hemostasis during malignant tumor surgery. Prompt and effective hemostasis can reduce the possibility of the spread of tumor cells with blood. This review discusses the outcomes of current research conducted in the field and the problems persisting in the field of developing hemostatic materials. The review also presents a platform for the further development of hemostatic materials.

Graphene Quantum Dots as Bimodal Imaging Agent for X-Ray and Computed Tomography

The urgency of new contrast agents, especially for X-Ray and Computed Tomography (CT) is increasing each day. Although both imaging modalities are the most routinely used imaging techniques, the availability of contrast agent is very limited. In this scenario, the use of graphene quantum dots (GQDs), a member of the graphene family, which has several characteristics, including low toxicity, good biocompatibility and physical-chemical properties, may represent an important application of this material. Thus, using X-Ray (conventional) and CT analysis was evaluated the applicability of GQDs as contrast agent for both imaging modalities. The results demonstrated that GQDs are able to attenuate X-Ray forming sharp imaging in both modalities. The data broaden the spectrum of GQDs use.

The Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) Induces Apoptosis, Autophagy and Cell Cycle Arrest in Breast Cancer Cells

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) has already been reported as a potential cytostatic agent in various cancers. However, the mechanisms underlying rGO’s cytotoxicity are still insufficiently understood. Thus, the aim of the study was to investigate the molecular and cellular effects of rGO in breast cancer. Given this, two cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and ZR-75-1, were analyzed using MTT test, flow cytometry and Western blot assay. Incubation with rGO resulted in a multitude of effects, including the stimulation of autophagy, cell cycle arrest and, finally, the apoptotic death of cancer cells. Notably, rGO had minimal effect on normal human fibroblasts. Apoptosis in cancer cells was accompanied by decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, the deregulated expression of mitochondrial proteins and the activation of caspase 9 and caspase 3, suggesting that rGO predominantly induced apoptosis via intrinsic pathway. The analysis of LC3 protein expression revealed that rGO also caused autophagy in breast cancer cells. Moreover, rGO treatment resulted in cell cycle arrest, which was accompanied by deregulated p21 expression. Altogether, rGO seems to have multidirectional cytostatic and cytotoxic effects in breast cancer cells, making it a promising agent worthy of further investigation.

Nanoparticles in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular aging and related diseases

Aging-induced alternations of vasculature structures, phenotypes, and functions are key in the occurrence and development of vascular aging-related diseases. Multiple molecular and cellular events, such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, vascular inflammation, cellular senescence, and epigenetic alterations are highly associated with vascular aging physiopathology. Advances in nanoparticles and nanotechnology, which can realize sensitive diagnostic modalities, efficient medical treatment, and better prognosis as well as less adverse effects on non-target tissues, provide an amazing window in the field of vascular aging and related diseases. Throughout this review, we presented current knowledge on classification of nanoparticles and the relationship between vascular aging and related diseases. Importantly, we comprehensively summarized the potential of nanoparticles-based diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in vascular aging and related diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, as well as chronic kidney diseases, and discussed the advantages and limitations of their clinical applications.

Research Progress of Photothermal Nanomaterials in Multimodal Tumor Therapy

The aggressive growth of cancer cells brings extreme challenges to cancer therapy while triggering the exploration of the application of multimodal therapy methods. Multimodal tumor therapy based on photothermal nanomaterials is a new technology to realize tumor cell thermal ablation through near-infrared light irradiation with a specific wavelength, which has the advantages of high efficiency, less adverse reactions, and effective inhibition of tumor metastasis compared with traditional treatment methods such as surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Photothermal nanomaterials have gained increasing interest due to their potential applications, remarkable properties, and advantages for tumor therapy. In this review, recent advances and the common applications of photothermal nanomaterials in multimodal tumor therapy are summarized, with a focus on the different types of photothermal nanomaterials and their application in multimodal tumor therapy. Moreover, the challenges and future applications have also been speculated.

Application of Graphene Oxide-Based Hydrogels in Bone Tissue Engineering

As an important derivative of graphene-based materials, graphene oxide (GO) not only plays an important role not only in optoelectronics and sensing but also in biology due to its unique mechanical, electronic, and optical properties. This article reviews the application of GO-based hydrogels in bone tissue engineering. Whether it is a hydrogel synthesized with natural polymer compounds, synthetic polymer chemicals, bioceramics, bioactive factors, or other materials, the addition of GO can significantly improve various properties of the hydrogel. We also introduce some high-performance GO-based hydrogels in this paper, proposing some insights into materials that may be applied to bone tissue engineering in the future.

Label-Free Morpho-Molecular Imaging for Studying the Differential Interaction of Black Phosphorus with Tumor Cells

Black phosphorus nanosheets (2D BP) are emerging as very promising, highly selective chemotherapeutic agents due to their fast degradation in the intracellular matrix of cancer cells. Here, optical diffraction tomography (ODT) and Raman spectroscopy were exploited as a powerful label-free approach to achieve integrated insights into the processes accompanying the administration of exfoliated 2D BP flakes in human prostatic adenocarcinoma and normal human prostate epithelial cells. Our ODT experiments provided unambiguous visualization of the 2D BP internalization in cancer cells and the morphological modifications of those cells in the apoptotic phase. The cellular internalization and damaging occurred, respectively, 18 h and 36–48 h after the 2D BP administration. Changes in the chemical properties of the internalized 2D BP flakes were monitored by Raman spectroscopy. Interestingly, a fast oxidation process of the 2D BP flakes was activated in the intracellular matrix of the cancer cells after 24 h of incubation. This was in sharp contrast to the low 2D BP uptake and minimal chemical changes observed in the normal cells. Along with the understanding of the 2D BP fate in the cancer cells, the proposed label-free morpho-molecular approach offers a powerful, rapid tool to study the pharmacokinetic properties of engineered nanomaterials in preclinical research.

Multifunctional carbon nanomaterials for diagnostic applications in infectious diseases and tumors

Infectious diseases (such as Corona Virus Disease 2019) and tumors pose a tremendous challenge to global public health. Early diagnosis of infectious diseases and tumors can lead to effective control and early intervention of the patient's condition. Over the past few decades, carbon nanomaterials (CNs) have attracted widespread attention in different scientific disciplines. In the field of biomedicine, carbon nanotubes, graphene, carbon quantum dots and fullerenes have the ability of improving the accuracy of the diagnosis by the improvement of the diagnostic approaches. Therefore, this review highlights their applications in the diagnosis of infectious diseases and tumors over the past five years. Recent advances in the field of biosensing, bioimaging, and nucleic acid amplification by such CNs are introduced and discussed, emphasizing the importance of their unique properties in infectious disease and tumor diagnosis and the challenges and opportunities that exist for future clinical applications. Although the application of CNs in the diagnosis of several diseases is still at a beginning stage, biosensors, bioimaging technologies and nucleic acid amplification technologies built on CNs represent a new generation of promising diagnostic tools that further support their potential application in infectious disease and tumor diagnosis.

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Carbon nanomaterials (CNs) are systematically introduced in this review.

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This review studies the application of CNs in infectious diseases and tumors diagnosis.

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CNs act as potent nanostructures for biosensing, bioimaging, & nucleic acid amplification.

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New CN-based detection methods were introduced to detect SARS-CoV-2.

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The challenges and prospects of CN-based diagnostic assays are also discussed.

Graphene-Based Nanomaterials for Biomedical Imaging

Graphene is sp²-hybridized carbon structure-based two-dimensional (2D) sheet. Graphene-based nanomaterials possess several features such as unique mechanical, electronic, thermal, and optical properties, high specific surface area, versatile surface functionalization, and biocompatibility, which attracted researcher's interests in various fields including biomedicine. In this chapter, we particularly focused on the biomedical imaging applications of graphene-based nanomaterials like graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), graphene quantum dots (GQDs), graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs), and other derivatives, which utilize their outstanding optical properties. There are some biomedical imaging modalities using Graphene-based Nanomaterials, among which we will highlight fluorescence imaging, Raman imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, and photoacoustic imaging. We also discussed the brief perspectives and future application related to them.

Advances in preparation, mechanism and applications of graphene quantum dots/semiconductor composite photocatalysts: A review

Due to the low efficiency of single-component nano materials, there are more and more studies on high-efficiency composites. As zero dimensional (0D) non-metallic semiconductor material, the emergence of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) overcomes the shortcomings of traditional photocatalysts (rapid rate of electron-hole recombination and narrow range of optical response). Their uniqueness is that they can combine the advantages of quantum dots (rich functional groups at edge) and sp² carbon materials (large specific surface area). The inherent inert carbon stabilizes chemical and physical properties, and brings new breakthroughs to the development of benchmark photocatalysts. The photocatalytic efficiency of GQDs composite with semiconductor materials (SCs) can be improved by the following three points: (1) accelerating charge transfer, (2) extending light absorption range, (3) increasing active sites. The methods of preparation (bottom-up and top-down), types of heterojunctions, mechanisms of photocatalysis, and applications of GQDs/SCs (wastewater treatment, energy storage, gas sensing, UV detection, antibiosis and biomedicine) are comprehensively discussed. And it is hoped that this review can provide some guidance for the future research on of GQDs/SCs on photocatalysis.

Review on Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Materials: Bioimaging, Biosensing, Drug Delivery, Tissue Engineering, Antimicrobial, and Agro-Food Applications

In the last few decades, the vast potential of nanomaterials for biomedical and healthcare applications has been extensively investigated. Several case studies demonstrated that nanomaterials can offer solutions to the current challenges of raw materials in the biomedical and healthcare fields. This review describes the different nanoparticles and nanostructured material synthesis approaches and presents some emerging biomedical, healthcare, and agro-food applications. This review focuses on various nanomaterial types (e.g., spherical, nanorods, nanotubes, nanosheets, nanofibers, core-shell, and mesoporous) that can be synthesized from different raw materials and their emerging applications in bioimaging, biosensing, drug delivery, tissue engineering, antimicrobial, and agro-foods. Depending on their morphology (e.g., size, aspect ratio, geometry, porosity), nanomaterials can be used as formulation modifiers, moisturizers, nanofillers, additives, membranes, and films. As toxicological assessment depends on sizes and morphologies, stringent regulation is needed from the testing of efficient nanomaterials dosages. The challenges and perspectives for an industrial breakthrough of nanomaterials are related to the optimization of production and processing conditions.

Preparation of Liposomal Raloxifene-Graphene Nanosheet and Evaluation of Its In Vitro Anticancer Effects

BACKGROUND

In current years, researchers have shown their prime interest in developing multifunctional drug delivery systems, especially against cancers, for effective anticancer outcomes.

METHODOLOGY

Raloxifene (RLX) loaded liposomal-graphene nanosheet (GNS) was developed. The novelty of this work was to enhance the solubilization of RLX and improvement of its bioavailability in the disease area. So, the selection of optimized formula design of experiment was implemented which produced the desired formula with the particle size of 156.333 nm. Further, encapsulation efficiency, in vitro release, and thermodynamic stability of optimized formulation were evaluated. The optimized formulation exhibited prolonged release of RLX for a longer period of 24 h, which can minimize the dose-related toxicity of the drug. Furthermore, optimized formulation demonstrated remarkable thermodynamic stability in terms of phase separation, creaming, and cracking.

RESULTS

The cytotoxicity study on the A549 cell line exhibited significant (P < .05) results in favor of optimized formulation than the free drug. The apoptotic activity was carried out by Annexin V staining and Caspase 3 analysis, which demonstrated remarkable promising results for optimized liposomal formulation.

CONCLUSION

From the findings of the study, it can be concluded that the novel optimized liposomal formulation could be pondered as a novel approach for the treatment of lung cancer.

A Review on the Synthesis, Properties, and Utilities of Functionalized Carbon Nanoparticles for Polymer Nanocomposites

Carbon can form different allotropes due to its tetravalency. Different forms of carbon such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon nanofibers, graphene, fullerenes, and carbon black can be used as nanofillers in order to enhance the properties of polymer nanocomposites. These carbon nanomaterials are of interest in nanocomposites research and other applications due to their excellent properties, such as high Young’s Modulus, tensile strength, electrical conductivity, and specific surface area. However, there are some flaws that can be found in the carbon nanoparticles such as tendency to agglomerate, insoluble in aqueous or organic solvents or being unreactive with the polymer surface. In this study, the aim is to study functionalization in order to rectify some of these shortcomings by attaching different functional groups or particles to the surface of these carbon nanoparticles; this also enables the synthesis of high-performance polymer nanocomposites. The main findings include the effects of functionalization on carbon nanoparticles and the applications of polymer nanocomposites with carbon nanoparticles as nanofillers in the industry. Additionally, the different methods used to produce polymer composites such as in situ polymerization, solution mixing and melt blending are studied, as these methods involve the dispersion of carbon nanofillers within the polymer matrix.

Recent advances in the synthesis and applications of graphene-polypeptide nanocomposites

The combination of peptides and graphene-derived materials provides a new way to prepare graphene-based nanocomposites with unique structures, properties, and functions. The modification of graphene with different polypeptides not only improves the biocompatibility and biological recognition ability of graphene-based materials, but also greatly expands their application fields. In this work, we summarize different interactions between graphene and polypeptides, and the synthesis methods of novel functional graphene-polypeptide nanocomposites based on the interactions in recent years (from 2016 to present). In addition, the potential applications of graphene-peptide hybrid nanocomposites in biomedicine, tissue engineering, biosensors, environmental science engineering, optoelectronic materials, and energy storage are introduced. We hope that this review will help readers to understand the methods and mechanisms of the modification of graphene surfaces with biomolecules, and promote readers to understand the synthesis and applications of graphene-based nanocomposites. This work may provide hints and references for the development of peptide sequence design, and biomedical and functional materials, and will help in designing and synthesizing novel graphene-based nanomaterials with unique properties and suitable for various applications in the future.

Super-Resolution Imaging with Graphene

Super-resolution optical imaging is a consistent research hotspot for promoting studies in nanotechnology and biotechnology due to its capability of overcoming the diffraction limit, which is an intrinsic obstacle in pursuing higher resolution for conventional microscopy techniques. In the past few decades, a great number of techniques in this research domain have been theoretically proposed and experimentally demonstrated. Graphene, a special two-dimensional material, has become the most meritorious candidate and attracted incredible attention in high-resolution imaging domain due to its distinctive properties. In this article, the working principle of graphene-assisted imaging devices is summarized, and recent advances of super-resolution optical imaging based on graphene are reviewed for both near-field and far-field applications.

Emerging two-dimensional monoelemental materials (Xenes): Fabrication, modification, and applications thereof in the field of bioimaging as nanocarriers

In recent years, more and more research enthusiasm has been devoted to the development of emerging two-dimensional (2D) monoelement materials (Xenes) and explored potential applications in various fields, especially biomedicine and bioimaging. The inspiring results attribute to their excellent physicochemical properties, including adjustable band gap, surface electronic layout characteristics, and so on, making it easier for surface modification in order to meet designated needs. As a popular interdisciplinary research frontier, a variety of methods for fabricating 2D Xenes have recently been adopted for pre-preparing future practical bioimaging applications, which implies that these materials will have broad clinical application prospects in the future. In this review, we will concentrate on the family of 2D Xenes and summarize their fabrication and modification methods firstly. Then, their applications in bioimaging as nanocarriers will be described according to the Periodic Table of Elements. In addition, current challenges and prospects for further clinical applications will be under discussion and use black phosphorus as a typical example. At last, general conclusion will be made that it is worth expecting that 2D Xenes will play a key role in the next generation of oncologic bioimaging in the future. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Regulatory and Policy Issues in Nanomedicine.

Recent advances of emerging green chitosan-based biomaterials with potential biomedical applications: A review

Chitosan is the most abundant natural biopolymer, after cellulose. It is mainly derived from the fungi, shrimp's shells, and exoskeleton of crustaceans, through the deacetylation of chitin. The ecological sustainability associated with its exercise and the flexibility of chitosan owing to its active functional hydroxyl and amino groups makes it a promising candidate for a wide range of applications through a variety of modifications. The biodegradability and biocompatibility of chitosan and its derivatives along with their various chemical functionalities make them promising carriers for pharmaceutical, nutritional, medicinal, environmental, agriculture, drug delivery, and biotechnology applications. The present work aims to provide a detailed and organized description of modified chitosan and its derivatives-based nanomaterials for biomedical applications. We addressed the biological and physicochemical benefits of nanocomposite materials made up of chitosan and its derivatives in various formulations, including improved physicochemical stability and cells/tissue interaction, controlled drug release, and increased bioavailability and efficacy in clinical practice. Moreover, several modification techniques and their effective utilization are also reviewed and collected in this review.

Recent Advances in the Application of Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials for Neural Tissue Engineering and Regeneration

The complexity of the nervous system structure and function, and its slow regeneration rate, makes it more difficult to treat compared to other tissues in the human body when an injury occurs. Moreover, the current therapeutic approaches including the use of autografts, allografts, and pharmacological agents have several drawbacks and can not fully restore nervous system injuries. Recently, nanotechnology and tissue engineering approaches have attracted many researchers to guide tissue regeneration in an effective manner. Owing to their remarkable physicochemical and biological properties, two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have been extensively studied in the tissue engineering and regenerative medicine field. The great conductivity of these materials makes them a promising candidate for the development of novel scaffolds for neural tissue engineering application. Moreover, the high loading capacity of 2D nanomaterials also has attracted many researchers to utilize them as a drug/gene delivery method to treat various devastating nervous system disorders. This review will first introduce the fundamental physicochemical properties of 2D nanomaterials used in biomedicine and the supporting biological properties of 2D nanomaterials for inducing neuroregeneration, including their biocompatibility on neural cells, the ability to promote the neural differentiation of stem cells, and their immunomodulatory properties which are beneficial for alleviating chronic inflammation at the site of the nervous system injury. It also discusses various types of 2D nanomaterials-based scaffolds for neural tissue engineering applications. Then, the latest progress on the use of 2D nanomaterials for nervous system disorder treatment is summarized. Finally, a discussion of the challenges and prospects of 2D nanomaterials-based applications in neural tissue engineering is provided.