Advanced application of metal nanoparticles in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a multifaceted autoimmune inflammatory disorder distinguished by the degradation of cartilage and bone, culminating in joint damage and elevated mortality rates. Despite the demonstrated efficacy of current pharmacological treatments for RA, significant challenges persist, including the necessity for high dosages, frequent administration, and the prevalence of severe adverse effects. Consequently, there is an urgent need to enhance therapeutic approaches for RA. Recent decades, nanotechnology has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach, showcasing significant achievements in the management of RA. Among various nanomaterials, metal nanoparticles (MNPs) have shown remarkable advancements in both the diagnosis and treatment of RA. It worth noting that, as a part of MNPs, the atomically accurate metal nanoclusters (MNCs) with precise structure and ultrasmall size (< 3 nm) have been found to exhibit promising prospects in managing RA in recent years. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the current research advancements regarding the application of MNCs and MNPs in the diagnosis and treatment of RA, in which their design principles, synthesis strategies and therapeutic mechanisms are elaborated in detail. Additionally, the future prospects and potential directions for the utilization of metal-based nanomedicine in the management of RA are discussed.