Two-dimensional nanomaterials for inflammation-related disease treatments

<p>Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials are an emerging class of materials with sheet-like morphology, open and flat lateral surface, and atomic thickness, presenting unique properties over other nanomaterials, such as extra-large surface area, compelling electronic properties, easy surface modification, and good mechanical strength. In recent years, 2D nanomaterials have emerged as versatile platforms for modulating inflammatory pathways, offering novel mechanisms to complement conventional anti-inflammatory therapies. Their unique physiochemical properties enable precise intervention in pathological processes through three distinct modalities: (i) eliminating pathogen invasion and infection through their morphology, photothermal, or catalytic effects to temper inflammation; (ii) serving as antioxidants or catalysts to scavenge excessive reactive oxygen species generated during inflammatory responses; (iii) delivering therapeutic agents, such as anti-inflammation drugs or therapeutic gases, to synergistically regulate inflammatory responses. In this review, we first introduce the biological process of inflammatory responses and their relationship to diseases; next the mechanism of 2D nanomaterials for inflammation regulation will be discussed; and finally, the recent applications of 2D nanomaterials for the treatments of inflammation-related disease will be presented and summarized. It is expected that this review may inspire the rational designs and constructions of next generation 2D material-based functional systems for inflammation-related disease treatments.</p>