Design of therapeutic biomaterials to control inflammation

• Published in: Nature reviews. Materials Vol. 7; no. 7; pp. 557 - 574
• Main Authors: Tu, Zhaoxu, Zhong, Yiling, Hu, Hanze, Shao, Dan, Haag, Rainer, Schirner, Michael, Lee, Jaewoo, Sullenger, Bruce, Leong, Kam W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 2022; Nature Publishing Group
• Subjects: 639/301/54/990; Bioavailability; Biomaterials; Biomedical materials; Chemistry and Materials Science; Condensed Matter Physics; Endothelial cells; Homeostasis; Inflammation; Leukocytes; Materials Science; Nanotechnology; Optical and Electronic Materials; Review; Review Article; Scavenging; Side effects; Biomedical materials
• ISSN: 2058-8437; 2058-8437
• DOI: 10.1038/s41578-022-00426-z

Inflammation plays an important role in the response to danger signals arising from damage to our body and in restoring homeostasis. Dysregulated inflammatory responses occur in many diseases, including cancer, sepsis and autoimmunity. The efficacy of anti-inflammatory drugs, developed for the treatment of dysregulated inflammation, can be potentiated using biomaterials, by improving the bioavailability of drugs and by reducing side effects. In this Review, we first outline key elements and stages of the inflammatory environment and then discuss the design of biomaterials for different anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategies. Biomaterials can be engineered to scavenge danger signals, such as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and cell-free DNA, in the early stages of inflammation. Materials can also be designed to prevent adhesive interactions of leukocytes and endothelial cells that initiate inflammatory responses. Furthermore, nanoscale platforms can deliver anti-inflammatory agents to inflammation sites. We conclude by discussing the challenges and opportunities for biomaterial innovations in addressing inflammation. Inflammation plays a central role in our body’s response to injury or infection. If dysregulated, inflammatory responses can lead to chronic inflammation and the development of inflammatory diseases. This Review discusses biomaterials-based anti-inflammatory therapies, including scavenging, blockage and drug delivery strategies.