Page 50 - IMO-2-3

Innovative Medicines & Omics

REVIEW ARTICLE
Biocompatibility of nanomaterials in medical

applications

Marvellous O. Eyube * , Courage Enuesueke 1,2 , and Marvellous Alimikhena 1,2
1,2
1 Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Science, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
2 Science and Technological Enhanced Laboratory for Advanced Learning and Research, Benin City,
Nigeria
(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry)

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
*Corresponding author: mineral content. The analysis underscores both its therapeutic potential and the
Marvellous O. Eyube
(marvellous.eyube@physci.uniben. biocompatibility concerns of CaO–CaP scaffolds. The article concludes by outlining
edu) strategies to optimize nanomaterial biocompatibility and future directions for their
Citation: Eyube MO, Enuesueke C, translation into medical applications.
Alimikhena M. Biocompatibility
of nanomaterials in medical
applications. Innov Med Omics. Keywords: Biocompatibility; Calcium oxide–calcium phosphate system; Nanomaterials;
2025;2(3):44-58. Tissue-engineering; Osteointegration; Regeneration
doi: 10.36922/IMO025210024
Received: May 23, 2025
Revised: June 29, 2025 1. Introduction
Accepted: July 4, 2025
Modern medicine is witnessing a paradigm shift, shaped by the rise of precision medicine,
Published online: August 18, 2025 implantable technologies, and patient-specific treatment regimens. These emerging
Copyright: © 2025 Author(s). approaches demand materials that can perform reliably within complex biological
This is an Open-Access article systems while enabling fine-tuned control over therapeutic or diagnostic outcomes.
distributed under the terms of the
Creative Commons Attribution However, conventional biomaterials often fall short of these requirements. Their limited
License, permitting distribution, biological responsiveness, low adaptability, and potential to trigger immune reactions
and reproduction in any medium, have created a critical gap in realizing next-generation medical solutions, as highlighted
provided the original work is
properly cited. in foundational biomaterials research that emphasizes the limitations of traditional
materials in dynamic physiological contexts. 1
Publisher’s Note: AccScience
Publishing remains neutral with Nanomaterials have emerged as compelling candidates for addressing current
regard to jurisdictional claims in
published maps and institutional biomedical challenges, largely due to their distinctive physicochemical characteristics.
affiliations. Their nanoscale dimensions facilitate interactions with biomolecules, cells, and tissues

Volume 2 Issue 3 (2025) 44 doi: 10.36922/IMO025210024