Themed collection Journal of Materials Chemistry B Recent Review Articles
An innovative electrohydrodynamics-driven SERS platform for molecular stratification and treatment monitoring of lung cancer
A schematic electrohydrodynamics-driven SERS platform to profile four proteins on sEVs to generate a unique molecular signature for lung cancer stratification.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 12139-12140
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01434K
Breakthrough in cancer therapy: lutetium texaphyrin–celecoxib conjugate for immune and photodynamic treatment
Kim et al. present a small-molecule photosensitizer, LuCXB, which combines a COX-2 inhibitor (celecoxib) with a near-infrared lutetium texaphyrin photocatalyst and was loaded CD133-aptamer functionalized exosome for cancer stem cells targeting.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 12136-12138
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB02019G
A novel surface-enhanced Raman based molecular identification platform for multiplexed and highly accurate clinical diagnosis of viral diseases
Schematic illustration of the E-NoM platform. The workflow for the simultaneous detection of four viral antigens during the infection process.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 7461-7462
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB00796D
Beyond DAD: proposing a one-letter code for nucleobase-mediated molecular recognition
This perspective outlines some key considerations for formulating a unified shorthand to describe nucleobase-mediated molecular recognition across chemical, biological, and materials contexts and proposes a naming scheme consistent therewith.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01999G
In vivo photopharmacological inhibition of hippocampal activity via multimodal probes – perspective and opening steps on experimental and computational challenges
A new perspective for the study/treatment of neurological conditions using in vivo photopharmacology is presented, including initial experimental and computational data.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 9894-9904
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01117A
Colloidal photonic crystals towards biological applications
Colloidal photonic crystals exhibit unique properties that make them ideal for biological applications. This perspective summarizes the primary properties, the strategies, and recent advancements for biological applications.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 8488-8504
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01325E
Steric protection of near-infrared fluorescent dyes for enhanced bioimaging
Steric protection of a long-wavelength dye, by covalent steric appendage or non-covalent encapsulation, produces enhanced photostability, increased fluorescence brightness, decreased self-aggregation, and superior pharmacokinetic profile.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 8310-8320
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01281J
Sculpturing the future of water-soluble cyclodextrin branched polymers in pharmaceutical applications
Versatile water-soluble cyclodextrin polymers can be easily prepared from naturally occurring monomers upon polycondensation in the presence of crosslinking agents. We consider their potential use in combination therapies and the hurdles faced.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 7969-7976
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01165A
Looking back, moving forward: protein corona of lipid nanoparticles
Intelligent delivery of lipid nanoparticles can be achieved through rational design of protein corona as a “troublemaker”.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 5573-5588
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB00186A
Trends in bioactivity: inducing and detecting mineralization of regenerative polymeric scaffolds
Advances in bioactive regenerative polymeric scaffolds continue to be made with new materials and methods of characterization.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 2720-2736
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TB02674D
Enzymatic micro/nanomotors in biomedicine: from single motors to swarms
Micro/nanomotor swarms propelled by diverse mechanisms.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 2711-2719
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TB02457A
Intestinal retentive systems – recent advances and emerging approaches
Intestinal retentive devices (IRDs) are devices designed to anchor within the lumen of the intestines for long-term residence in the gastrointestinal tract.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 64-78
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TB01842C
Platelet-derived biomaterials for targeted drug delivery and tissue repair
Platelets are nucleic-free cells with a lifespan of 7–10 days in the bloodstream, playing a crucial role in various physiological processes such as hemostasis, thrombus formation, tumor development and metastasis, inflammation, and host defense.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB02477J
Polymeric nanoparticles in radiopharmaceutical delivery strategies
The potential applications of polymer nanoparticles (NPs) in the biomedical field have been the subject of extensive research.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB02076F
Crafting nature's wonders: nanoarchitectonics developments in bioinspired nanocellulose-based stimuli-responsive supramolecular matrices
This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in the development of stimuli-responsive nanocellulose-based drug delivery systems.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01814A
Progress in Chinese medicine monomers and their nanoformulations on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury
The aim of this review is to elucidate the pathomechanism of MIRI and present the latest developments in the use of TCM monomers and nanomaterials in combination with TCM monomers for the treatment of MIRI.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB02091J
Electronic band structure modulation for sonodynamic therapy
The common ways and various materials used for modulating electronic band structure for SDT are summarized.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 12470-12488
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01679C
Recent advances in two-dimensional materials for drug delivery
This review summarizes the classification and methods for the fabrication of emerging 2D nanomaterials and emphasizes their distinctive properties and biomedical applications that distinguish them from traditional nanomaterials.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 12437-12469
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01787K
Fluorescence sensing techniques for quality evaluation of traditional Chinese medicines: a review
We summarized the advantages and advanced applications of fluorescence sensing technology compared with other analytical techniques, as well as the challenges and prospects of current application in the field of TCM quality evaluation.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 12412-12436
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01886A
Bacterial nanocelluloses as sustainable biomaterials for advanced wound healing and dressings
This review aims to provide an overview on the application of BNC-based composites for advanced wound healing and dressings.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 12489-12507
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01024H
Self-assembled peptide-based nanofibers for cardiovascular tissue regeneration
Self-assembled peptide nanofibers to enhance cardiac repair and regeneration.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01235F
Leveraging nanomaterials for ultrasensitive biosensors in early cancer detection: a review
Recent advances in nanotechnology revolutionize cancer diagnostics, better than PET-scans and biopsies. Ultrasensitive nanobiosensors spot trace biomarkers effectively, allowing early, precise detection and better outcomes, altering cancer care globally.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB02107J
Nanomaterials and methods for cancer therapy: 2D materials, biomolecules, and molecular dynamics simulations
Nanomaterials made from 2D semiconductors and biomolecules are reviewed. Cell-nanoparticle interactions are examined in recent simulations. These nanomaterials and MD simulations reveal novel mechanisms and enable cancer drug delivery and targeting.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 12141-12173
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01667J
Functionalities of pH-responsive DNA nanostructures in tumor-targeted strategies
Design and application of various pH-responsive DNA nanostructures for tumor-targeted strategies toward extracellular and intracellular environments are comprehensively reviewed. Their potential and challenges are also critically discussed.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 12174-12190
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01883D
Cuproptosis in cancer therapy: mechanisms, therapeutic application and future prospects
Cuproptosis is a regulated form of cell death induced by the accumulation of metal ions and is closely linked to aspects of cellular drug resistance, cellular metabolism, and signalling pathways.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 12191-12206
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01877J
Advancements in phasor-based FLIM: multi-component analysis and lifetime probes in biological imaging
This review focuses on lifetime probes in phasor-based FLIM and multi-component analysis in complex environments. Using three probes (a, b, c) with distinct lifetimes, it visualizes clusters in the phasor plot, enabling imaging of specific regions.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01669F
Nanomaterial-mediated photothermal therapy modulates tumor-associated macrophages: applications in cancer therapy
Nanomaterials for modulating tumor-associated macrophages in photothermal therapy.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 11867-11886
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01928H
Nanobiopolymers in cancer therapeutics: advancing targeted drug delivery through sustainable and controlled release mechanisms
Nanobiopolymers in cancer therapeutics offer sustainable and targeted drug delivery with controlled release, enhancing treatment efficacy while ensuring sustainability and biodegradability for improved patient care.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 11887-11915
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB00599F
Chemically engineered exogenous organic reactions in living cells for in situ fluorescence imaging and biomedical applications
Key intracellular in situ synthesis processes, including the synthesis of near-infrared fluorescent dyes, intracellular oxidative cross-linking, polymerization, and bioorthogonal reactions, as well as their biomedical applications were summarized.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 11852-11866
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01925C
Recent advances in polymer-based thin-film electrodes for ECoG applications
This review evaluated electrocorticography (ECoG) electrode performance based on key properties and improvements from polymers, categorizing them as sensitive or structural, while discussing preparation methods, challenges, and future perspectives.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB02090A
Gold nanostars and nanourchins for enhanced photothermal therapy, bioimaging, and theranostics
Gold nanostars and nanourchins enhance photothermal therapy (PTT), an emerging tumor treatment that uses hyperthermia generated by photo-absorbing materials to eradicate cancer cells, while also enabling bioimaging and theranostic applications.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01420K
Eco-friendly self-cleaning coatings: fundamentals, fabrication, applications, and sustainability
Eco-friendly self-cleaning coatings have garnered significant attention due to their potential to address environmental concerns while offering remarkable properties.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01392A
Research progress of nitroxide radical-based MRI contrast agents: from structure design to application
Nitroxide radicals-based agnetic resonance imaging remains a cornerstone of diagnostic imaging, offering unparalleled insights into anatomical structures and pathological conditions.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB02272F
Development of citric acid-based biomaterials for biomedical applications
Citric acid-based biomaterials have the advantages of simple synthesis, controllable structure, good biocompatibility, and biomimetic viscoelastic mechanical behavior, which have a wide range of applications in the field of biomedical engineering.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 11611-11635
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01666A
Bioinspired peptide/polyamino acid assemblies as quorum sensing inhibitors for the treatment of bacterial infections
Presented in this review are recent advancements in bioinspired peptide and polyamino acid assemblies as inhibitors of quorum sensing (Agr, Com, PlcR, Rgg, and NPrR) in diverse microbial communities.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 11596-11610
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01685H
Recent advances in phototherapeutic nanosystems for oral cancer
This review discusses phototherapeutic nanosystems for oral cancer, emphasizing diverse drug delivery systems, advanced photodynamic therapy approaches, and combination therapies.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 11560-11572
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01919A
Dissolving microneedles: standing out in melanoma treatment
Melanoma is one of the most significant and dangerous superficial skin tumors with a high fatality rate, thanks to its high invasion rate, drug resistance and frequent metastasis properties.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 11573-11595
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01142B
Recent advances in chemotherapy for cancer therapy over Cu-based nanocatalysts
The recent progress of various Cu-based nanocatalysts in cancer therapy was reviewed, especially the remarkable achievements in catalytic treatment of cancer in the tumor microenvironment through CDT and CDT-involved multimodal synergies.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 11336-11346
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01140F
Surface engineering of orthopedic implants for better clinical adoption
Enhancing cell-material interactions through surface engineering to create biomimetic environments and extend implant life.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 11302-11335
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01563K
Bioactive glass–polymer nanocomposites: a comprehensive review on unveiling their biomedical applications
A comprehensive overview of bioactive glass–polymer nanocomposites highlighting the various fabrication strategies, the materials involved and the major biomedical applications.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 11278-11301
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01525H
AI-driven precision subcellular navigation with fluorescent probes
AI-driven precision subcellular navigation with fluorescent probes.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 11054-11062
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01835D
Chitosan-functionalized nanobubbles for precision oncology: advances in targeted cancer therapeutics
The convergence of nanotechnology and cancer therapeutics has opened new frontiers in the development of advanced drug delivery systems.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 11076-11088
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01930J
Advances in osteoimmunomodulation of biomaterials after intrabone implantation: focus on surface hydrophilicity
Hydrophilicity of implantable biomaterials can facilitate osteoimmunomodulation through influencing proteins adsorption, blood clotting, neutrophils activation, macrophages polarization, angiogenesis and osteogenesis to enhance osseointegration.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 11089-11104
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01907E
Piezoelectric materials for anti-infective bioapplications
This review summarizes recent advances in piezoelectric materials for anti-infective and regenerative therapies. It highlights antibacterial mechanisms and discusses their anti-infective bioapplications.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 11063-11075
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01589D
Engineering disease analyte response in peptide self-assembly
The need to enhance the precision and specificity of therapeutic nanocarriers has led to the development of nanoscale peptide assemblies capable of sensing and responding to disease-related analytes.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 10757-10769
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01860E
Metal–organic frameworks: potential synergies with cold atmospheric plasmas for cancer control
MOFs can act as cargo-carriers, nano-enzymes, and magnetic MOFs. CAPs, interacting with cell receptors to generate primary and secondary 1O2, may synergize with MOFs for oncotherapy via acting as cargos, substrates, and magnetic sensing agents.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 10770-10785
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB00968A
Bioorthogonal chemistry-based prodrug strategies for enhanced biosafety in tumor treatments: current progress and challenges
Prodrugs, activated at the tumor site, offer targeted treatment but may still cause unintended cytotoxicity. This review explores the combination of bioorthogonal reactions with prodrug strategies to improve safety and efficacy.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 10818-10834
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01413H
Unlocking the potential of RGD-conjugated gold nanoparticles: a new frontier in targeted cancer therapy, imaging, and metastasis inhibition
The review highlights the potential of RGD-conjugated AuNPs in cancer diagnosis and treatment, including breast cancer. It emphasizes the need for further research to fully realize this technology’s potential and inspire future investigations.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 10786-10817
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB00281D
Tissue adhesives based on chitosan for biomedical applications
Chitosan bio-adhesives bond strongly with various biological tissues, such as skin, mucosa, and internal organs.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 10446-10465
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01362J
Application of advanced surface modification techniques in titanium-based implants: latest strategies for enhanced antibacterial properties and osseointegration
Several major surface modification technologies for Ti-based implants.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 10516-10549
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01714E
Atomically dispersed single-atom catalysts (SACs) and enzymes (SAzymes): synthesis and application in Alzheimer's disease detection
SAC & SAzymes, an innovative tool for early Alzheimer detection, effectively bridging traditional diagnostic methods with advanced technologies, enable highly sensitive and selective identification of biomarkers, enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 10466-10489
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01293C
Alleviating hypoxia and oxidative stress for treatment of cardiovascular diseases: a biomaterials perspective
Advanced approaches to alleviate hypoxic and oxidative stress in cardiovascular diseases.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 10490-10515
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01126K
Advancements in DNA computing: exploring DNA logic systems and their biomedical applications
DNA computing is a key molecular method in biological analysis. This review highlights advancements in DNA logic systems, material innovations, and applications in imaging, diagnosis, and treatment, addressing challenges and future directions.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 10134-10148
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB00936C
Recent advances in fluorescent probes for fatty liver imaging by detecting lipid droplets
This review summarizes various probes for imaging LDs in the fatty liver process using different excitation imaging modes and emission wavelengths, as well as analyzing the achievements, challenges and future development trends in this field.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 10149-10162
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01741B
Exploring enzyme-immobilized MOFs and their application potential: biosensing, biocatalysis, targeted drug delivery and cancer therapy
This review presents the various enzyme immobilization techniques and highlight their application in biosensing, bio-catalysis, drug delivery, and cancer therapy.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 10198-10214
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01556H
Recent advances in sodium alginate-based dressings for targeted drug delivery in the context of diabetic wound healing
This review covers advanced diabetic wound dressing materials, including chitosan–alginate hydrogels, nanofiber mats, and core–shell nanostructures, highlighting the role of nanotechnology and biomimetic scaffolds in improving healing outcomes.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 10163-10197
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01049C
Protein nanopore-based sensors for public health analyte detection
High-throughput and label-free protein nanopore-based sensors with engineering strategies are extensively used to identify public health hazardous substances with single channel recording.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 9845-9862
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01149J
The recent progress of bone regeneration materials containing EGCG
Bone regeneration materials combined with EGCG include natural polymer, synthetic polymer, bioceramic, metal, hydrogel and metal–EGCG networks. Currently, the above materials have been widely studied in the field of medicine.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 9835-9844
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB00604F
Recent development and applications of electrodeposition biocoatings on medical titanium for bone repair
Schematic diagram of the device, mechanism and biomedical application of electrodeposition for the preparation of bioactive coatings on the surface of titanium implants for bone repair.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 9863-9893
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01081G
Nanomaterial combined engineered bacteria for intelligent tumor immunotherapy
Compared to traditional therapies, tumor immunotherapy has received a lot of attention and research focus due to its potential to activate both innate and adaptive immunity, cause low toxicity to normal tissue, and induce long-term immune activity.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 9795-9820
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB00741G
Immunologically effective biomaterials enhance immunotherapy of prostate cancer
Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignant neoplasms affecting the male population.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 9821-9834
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TB03044J
Advances in ionic liquid-based antimicrobial wound healing platforms
Wound infections, marked by the proliferation of microorganisms at surgical sites, necessitate the development of innovative wound dressings with potent bactericidal properties to curb microbial growth and prevent bacterial infiltration.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 9478-9507
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB00841C
Endocytosis: the match point of nanoparticle-based cancer therapy
Endocytosis efficiency is a prerequisite for the therapeutic efficacy of nanoparticle-based cancer therapy. This review elucidates the physicochemical design, anti-cancer effects and endocytic mechanism of multiple endocytosis-oriented nanoparticles.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 9435-9458
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01227E
Immune response profiles induced by silk-based biomaterials: a journey from ‘immunogenicity’ towards ‘immuno-compatibility
The silk protein elicits ambivalent, both mild inflammatory and anti-inflammatory immune responses for biomedical applications that can be attributed to surface chemistry, protein conformation, source of origin, and association with other proteins.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 9508-9523
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01231C
Biomaterials based on advanced oxidation processes in tooth whitening: fundamentals, progress, and models
Innovative tooth whitening strategies based on advanced oxidation processes.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 9459-9477
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01311E
Nanozymes in cancer immunotherapy: metabolic disruption and therapeutic synergy
The unique roles of nanozymes in enhancing immunotherapy through disrupting tumor metabolism and mediating combination therapies.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 9111-9143
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB00769G
Nanomaterial-based therapeutics for enhanced antifungal therapy
This review comprehensively explores the application of nanotechnology for antifungal therapy, particularly focusing on enhancing interaction with fungi, stimuli-responsive drug release in fungal infected tissues, and crossing biological barriers.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 9173-9198
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01484G
Designing antibacterial materials through simulation and theory
To broaden the application of antibacterial materials in nanomedicine, understanding the complex mechanisms and inherent properties is crucial. This review summarizes the advancements in computational and theoretical research in this emerging field.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 9155-9172
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01277A
A novel method for the diagnosis of atherosclerosis based on nanotechnology
The integration of nanotechnology and medicine is a significant trend in modern healthcare, with a particular focus on its utilization in atherosclerosis imaging, presenting immense potential for advancement.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 9144-9154
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB00900B
Prediction of aptamer affinity using an artificial intelligence approach
Aptamers are oligonucleotide sequences that can connect to particular target molecules, similar to monoclonal antibodies.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 8825-8842
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB00909F
About this collection
This collection contains recent Review-type articles published by Journal of Materials Chemistry B, the home for high impact applications, properties and synthesis of exciting new materials for biology and medicine. New articles will be added to this collection as soon as possible after publication.