Advanced Polymeric Nanomaterials for Biomedical Application

This review elucidates the role of nanotechnology in tackling global health issues, with a particular emphasis on Ukraine’s research efforts in creating nanodrugs for cancer and antimicrobial therapy. Nanomaterials offer promising applications in disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, and their properties can be tailored for specific uses via control of nanoparticle size, shape, synthesis conditions, and more. However, the rising incidence of cancer, a leading cause of death worldwide, poses a significant challenge. In Ukraine, cancer rates have seen a substantial increase, fueled by both multifactorial causes and the devastating effects of military aggression. Environmental pollution, including contamination from modern weaponry and the degradation of water and food quality, coupled with chronic stress, exacerbates the risk of cancer. The country’s mortality rate from cancer significantly surpasses that of the EU. Ukrainian studies focused on the development of polymer-based nanodrugs for photodynamic therapy, chemotherapy, and antibacterial hydrogels, highlighting the potential of these nanotechnologies in devising effective cancer prevention and treatment strategies.