Advanced Nanomaterials and Composites in Healthcare Applications

Nanomaterials and composites have emerged as an important part of modern healthcare and have provided new solutions in the field of diagnosis, treatment, and regenerative medicine. Types of nanocomposites are polymer, metal, ceramic, and hybrid types. Most of these nanomaterials and composites are deemed to be biocompatible and have good mechanical properties, making them useful in different healthcare applications, including precise drug delivery, medical imaging, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, antimicrobial and antiviral therapies, and developing biosensors and diagnostic equipment. The extensive application of nanomaterials presents issues with toxicity, scale-up, cost, and regulatory acceptance, which require greater investigations and development. To have nanomaterials that are biocompatible and safe to use in clinical practice, it is necessary to ensure that they meet the safety and biocompatibility criteria. All these applications will be discussed in this chapter, providing a comprehensive overview of these materials and their relevance to enhancing healthcare outcomes. Toxicity testing, regulatory measures, and the means of minimizing possible risks will also be addressed to facilitate safe usage of them in medical practice. Lastly, the chapter will also discuss the future trends, challenges, and recommend areas for future research. This introductory chapter provides a grand overview of nanomaterials and composites and their potential to transform the future of healthcare by enabling new medical solutions and improved patient outcomes.