Research progress on gel-based nanocomposites for diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases

Abstract

The incidence and mortality rates of respiratory diseases have been steadily increasing over the years, leading to the development of diverse diagnosis and treatment methods. Gel materials exhibit intricate structures and possess unique biological properties, making them a valuable resource in medical applications. Various types of gel materials demonstrate excellent biocompatibility, permeability and antibacterial activity, rendering them extensively used in drug delivery, release systems, anti-inflammatory and anti-infective therapies, tissue regeneration promotion, and wound healing. In this comprehensive review, we provide an overview of respiratory diseases and classify gel materials accordingly. Subsequently, we focus on the current state of gel applications in diagnosing and treatment of respiratory diseases, elaborating on the mechanisms behind the utilization of gel materials. Furthermore, we identified the limitations in the existing research of gels in respiratory diseases and anticipate their future clinical application, which promises a novel strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases.