Research Progress on the Application of Nanomaterials in Bone Defect Repair

Bone defects refer to the loss or damage of bone tissue, commonly occurring due to trauma, tumor resection, infection, and non-union fractures. Clinically, bone defects not only affect the patient's function and quality of life but may also lead to chronic pain, mobility impairment, and psychological issues. Repairing large bone defects remains challenging, and traditional treatment methods such as autologous and allogeneic bone grafting face difficulties related to donor site morbidity, postoperative complications, and poor bone healing. Therefore, the development of novel bone repair materials has become a research focus. Nanomaterials, due to their unique physicochemical properties, such as high specific surface area, excellent biocompatibility, and tunable mechanical properties, are increasingly being applied in the field of bone repair. Nanoparticles can enhance the mechanical properties of matrix materials, improving the strength and toughness of bone repair constructs and promoting the proliferation and differentiation of bone cells. Furthermore, nanomaterials can facilitate bone regeneration by releasing bioactive factors or modulating the microenvironment. Consequently, the application of nanomaterials in bone repair holds significant promise. This review aims to summarize the recent research on the application of nanomaterials in the field of bone defect repair.