Narsimha Mamidi ^1* Ebrahim Mostafavi ² Murali M. Yallapu ³

• ¹ School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States
• ² Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States
• ³ The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, Texas, United States

The future of NBMs holds immense promise. By leveraging the capabilities of nanotechnology and emulating the intricate structures of living tissues, NBMs offer exciting possibilities for diverse biomedical applications (Figure 1). These include targeted drug delivery systems to advanced implants to improve human health. However, this progress hinges on a commitment to rigorous safety assessments and a deep understanding of how NBMs interact with biological systems. Through ongoing research and development, NBMs can transform how we diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases, heralding a new era of personalized and targeted medicine. This special issue explores the vital interactions between NBMs and cells/tissues, focusing on how factors such as size, morphology, shape, and surface chemistry of NBM influence toxicity, biocompatibility, and immunogenicity. By elucidating these structure-function relationships, we aim to facilitate the creation of innovative NBMs with tailored properties for diverse biomedical applications. This special issue includes three research papers and two review articles exploring recent advances in the design, preparation, and biocompatibility assessment of NBMs.Guedri et al. investigated the potential of using alumina-ferrite (Al2O3-Fe3O4) hybrid nanoparticles to improve thermal systems in various fields, including biomedicine, electronics, and mechanical engineering. 11 Their study focused on the interaction of these nanoparticles with blood over a 3D surface, considering factors like nonlinear thermal radiation, stretching, velocity slippage, and a magnetic field. A mathematical model was developed using nanofluid properties and similarity rules. Numerical simulations were performed to analyze the behavior of the nanoparticles within the blood. The results showed that a strong magnetic field effectively controlled the motion of the nanoparticles, while surface stretching increased fluid movement. Thermal radiation was found to enhance the thermal properties of both Al2O3-Fe3O4/blood and Al2O3/blood. 11 In a review of biomedical applications for iron sulfide-based nanozymes (ISNs), Shan et al. highlighted the growing interest in nanozymes due to their stability, ease of preparation, and tunability. 12 They focused on ISNs, a widely studied nanomaterial with enzyme-mimicking properties, outlining their potential in various biomedical applications. The review explores the classification and catalytic mechanisms of ISNs, followed by a detailed examination of their use in biosensors, tumor therapy, antibacterial therapy, and other areas, underlining their promise for improving human health.In another study, Puri et al. explored the green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using Terminalia arjuna bark extract. 13 The abundant phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins in the extract acted as capping and stabilizing agents, enabling the formation of stable, negatively charged, and spherical TA-SeNPs. These biogenic SeNPs exhibited excellent antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer activities, making them promising candidates for biomedical applications. Notably, TA-SeNP-incorporated gel displayed desirable properties for topical use. This study highlights the potential of biogenic SeNPs for the safe and sustainable development of nanomedicines.Roma et al. reviewed recent advancements in graphene and its derivatives for dental applications. 14 Highlighting their unique properties like biocompatibility and antibacterial activity, the authors discuss synthesis methods, material characteristics, and various dental uses of graphene-based materials. The review concludes by exploring the challenges and future potential of these nanomaterials in dentistry, aiming to stimulate further research.A study by Dar et al. investigated the effects of various nutrient sources on rice growth and yield. 15 Eight practices were evaluated, including a recommended fertilizer dose (RFD), RFD with a silicon supplement, and organic manure (FYM). The treatment with a basal application of Vigore (a commercial product) followed by a spray at the panicle initiation (PI) stage (N3) resulted in the highest plant height, number of tillers, panicle density, panicle weight, and grain yield. This approach yielded 22-25% more grain than RFD with FYM or RFD alone. The study suggests that silicon and targeted application timing can significantly improve rice yield.Altogether, the articles presented in this special issue highlight significant progress in the field of nanobiomaterials. We extend our sincere gratitude to all contributing authors for sharing their valuable insights and solutions. Special thanks go to the editors and reviewers whose expertise significantly enhanced the quality of the papers. Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Future success hinges on rigorous safety assessments and a deeper understanding of NBM interactions with biological systems. Continued research and development hold the potential for NBMs to revolutionize disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, paving the way for personalized and targeted medicine. We trust that the articles in this special issue will be both informative and inspiring, particularly for young scholars eager to contribute to the future of NBM research.