Shaping the Future: The Rise of Structural Nanomedicine
Curator: Dr. Sudipta Saha, Ph.D.
In their 2025 review, Mirkin, Mrksich, and Artzi describe how the field of structural nanomedicine is being transformed to revolutionize biomedical science. Therapeutic materials are now being designed with precise nanoscale architectures to optimize biological interactions, improve efficacy, and reduce side effects.
It is explained that, unlike traditional drug delivery methods, structural nanomedicine is centered on the engineering of form and function at the molecular level. Advances in DNA and RNA nanotechnology, self-assembling peptide systems, and engineered nanoparticles have been utilized to create customizable platforms capable of navigating complex biological environments. These structures are being programmed to respond to specific physiological triggers, thereby enabling targeted delivery and controlled release.
A strong emphasis is placed on how rational design principles—borrowed from materials science, chemistry, and bioengineering—are driving innovation. Examples are presented where precisely constructed nanostructures have been shown to outperform conventional therapies in cancer treatment, immunomodulation, and regenerative medicine.
Attention is drawn to the challenges that must still be addressed, including the scalability of manufacturing, regulatory barriers, and the need for deeper insights into nano-bio interactions at the systems level. It is argued that interdisciplinary collaboration will be required for the successful translation of structural nanomedicine from laboratory research to clinical application.
Ultimately, structural nanomedicine is portrayed as a paradigm shift—where passive carrier systems are being replaced by dynamic, functional architectures that actively engage in therapeutic processes. Optimism is expressed that through continued technological convergence, a new generation of precision therapies tailored to individual patients will be realized.
This review is recommended for researchers, clinicians, and industry professionals seeking to remain informed about future directions in biomedical innovation.
References
https://www.nature.com/articles/s44222-025-00306-5
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41551-019-0351-1
https://www.nature.com/articles/382607a0
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsnano.3c06564
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41565-023-01447-7
2012pharmaceutical
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