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This review article is focused on the drug delivery platforms and cancer treatment systems recently developed based on molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets. Two-dimensional MoS2 can be used as a therapeutic nanoparticle and tissue engineering scaffold for tumor healing. Structure, different synthesis methods, unique properties, and surface modification approaches of MoS2 as a newly emerging carrier for a wide range of drugs were comprehensively discussed. Numerous examples of drug delivery systems based on these carriers were introduced, and their key characteristics and highlights were compared in tables. Striking features in the two-dimensional nanostructure state like the high degree of anisotropy, mechanical strength, biocompatibility, large surface area, availability of surface modification methods for enhanced functionality, distinctive band gap structure, high absorbance in the near-infrared region, and remarkable magnetic attributes render MoS2 an ideal and attractive candidate to develop multifunctional platforms for combined chemotherapy and photothermal therapy as well as biosensing and bioimaging applications. These properties have piqued the interest of many researchers and led them to study the versatile biomedical applications of these materials, particularly drug delivery and photothermal therapy. Finally, the opportunities, remaining challenges, and future prospects ahead in this area were mapped out.

Hydrogels have the potential to simulate and permeate body tissues. They can be used in many biomedical applications, such as drug delivery, wound dressings, contact lenses, synthetic implants, biosensors, and tissue engineering. Despite recent significant advances in hydrogel fabrication, with the introduction of double network hydrogels, with ionic or hydrogen bonds, there is still the challenge of achieving optimal mechanical properties with appropriate self-healing ability. To solve the above problem, in this study, a new type of starch/chitosan/PVA/borax hydrogel was synthesized by adopting the one-pot method. The effect of concentration and ratio of raw materials on the final properties of hydrogels, such as the degree of hydrophilicity, morphology, degradation, mechanical strength, and drug release rate, was investigated. The properties of hydrogels were examined by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and contact angle, which confirmed the composite synthesis and uniform distribution of HNT and curcumin. In addition, the composite hydrogel showed excellent mechanical properties. Drug release studies confirmed that the drug is slowly released from the nanocomposite hydrogels. The results showed that starch-based nanocomposite hydrogels could provide appropriate repairing potential for defects exposed to changeable parameters. KEYWORDS hydrogels, mechanical properties, self-healing, starch/chitosan/PVA/borax, 1 | INTRODUCTION Hydrogels are soft, hydrophilic, three-dimensional viscoelastic networks with spongy properties which can retain water. [11] Hydrogels have excellent permeability and the ability to simulate many tissues. They [...]

Polymers have become essential in advancing bone tissue engineering, providing adaptable bone healing and regeneration solutions. Their biocompatibility and biodegradability make them ideal candidates for creating scaffolds that mimic the body's natural extracellular matrix (ECM). However, significant challenges remain, including degradation by-products, insufficient mechanical strength, and suboptimal cellular interactions. This article addresses these challenges by evaluating the performance of polymers like poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), polycaprolactone (PCL), and polylactic acid (PLA) in scaffold development. It also explores recent innovations, such as intelligent polymers, bioprinting, and the integration of bioactive molecules to enhance scaffold efficacy. We propose that overcoming current limitations requires a combination of novel biomaterials, advanced fabrication techniques, and tailored regulatory strategies. The future potential of polymer-based scaffolds in personalised regenerative medicine is discussed, focusing on their clinical applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been a growing curiosity and enthusiasm surrounding recent advancements in nanotechnology, electromagnetism, and optics. This interdisciplinary collaboration encompasses fields such as nanomaterials, nanoelectronics, and nanobiotechnology, which often overlap in their applications. One area that has attracted significant attention is the use of metal nanoparticles (MNPs), which has resulted in notable advancements in medicine. MNPs hold the promise of significantly boosting drug delivery efficacy, reducing unwanted side effects, and enhancing delivery precision. They also have applications in diagnostics, the development of biocompatible materials, and the exploration of nutraceuticals. Using metal nanoparticles in drug delivery provides benefits such as increased stability, prolonged circulation time, enhanced distribution, and precise targeting. The field of nanobiotechnnolgy has facilitated the creation of eco-friendly approaches, referred to as green synthesis, for the production of MNPs. MNPs offer improved stability and targeted release in drug delivery, while also providing a more sustainable alternative to chemical synthesis. This review aims to address the challenges and prospects of utilizing MNPs in drug delivery, with a specific focus on sustainable approaches for fabricating and modifying metal nanocarriers. It also explores the application of various MNPs in drug delivery systems (DDSs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoclays are a class of nanomaterials extensively used to prepare polymer nanocomposites. In this study, four types of common nanoclays were selected to prepare chitosan–polyvinyl alcohol (CP) nanocomposite films. Montmorillonite cloisite Na+ (MMT), organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT), and bentonite (BNT), as layered aluminosilicates, and halloysite nanotubes (HNT), as a tubular nanoclay, were blended with CP films at concentrations of 1.5, 3 and 4.5%. The nanocomposite films were characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM/EDX, AFM, tensile strength, and antibacterial tests. SEM/EDX results showed a more uniform distribution of the OMMT and HNT nanoclays in the polymer matrix. AFM images showed a rougher surface for nanocomposite films compared to CP film. Increasing the nanoclay concentration in the films from 1.5 to 4.5% resulted in higher tensile strength for HNT and MMT while the trend was reversed for OMMT and BNT. Among the samples, nanocomposite films composed of OMMT and BNT showed the highest tensile strength at the lowest concentrations (CP-OMMT1.5 99 ± 3.7 MPa, CP-B1.5 81 ± 1.5 MPa). The nanocomposite films prepared from OMMT showed the highest antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus with an inhibition zone of 15 and 19 mm, respectively. The results of this study showed that BNT and OMMT are promising nanoclays for enhancing the mechanical properties and antibacterial activity of hydrophilic polymers. The results of this research can provide new insights into selecting suitable nanoclays for different applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]