Table 2.

Biomedical applications of biodegradable nanomaterials.

Purpose	Application	Advantages of Biodegradable Nanomaterials	References
Imaging	MRI	Reduced contrast load Stronger signals Targeted imaging	[66,67,68,69,70,71,72,73,74,75,76]
	photoacoustic imaging
Theranostics	photoacoustic imaging and photothermal therapy	Safely facilitate real-time therapeutic efficacy towards individualized treatment strategies	[78,79,80,81,82,83,84,85,86,87]
Targeted Delivery(carried by liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, or micelles)	Drug delivery	Encapsulation of hydrophobic molecules Reduced premature degradation Improved drug uptake Sustained drug concentrations within the therapeutic window Reduced side effects	[88,89,90,91,92,93,94,95,96,97,98,99,100,101]
	Gene therapy	Protect DNA from enzymatic degradation Reduced rejection from host immune system	[102,103,104,105,106,107]
	Antigen delivery	Controlled release of antigen/ligand Protect the antigen load	[112]
Implants	Stents	Reduced vessel occlusion, restenosis, or late stent thrombosis Improved lesion imaging No need for a secondary surgical removal	[112]
	Mesh	No need for a secondary procedure to remove the mesh	[112]
	Suture	Low immunogenicity and toxicity Excellent biocompatibility Predictable biodegradation rates Good mechanical properties	[112]