Advances in Surface Engineering Strategies for Enhancing Nanomaterial Biocompatibility

Nanomaterials exhibit tremendous potential in biomedical applications due to their unique physicochemical properties. However, their interactions with biological systems, particularly biocompatibility issues, present significant challenges that hinder their clinical implementation. This review explores recent advancements in surface modification techniques aimed at improving the biocompatibility of nanomaterials. The article examines a range of surface engineering strategies, including polymer coatings, lipid layer modifications, protein and peptide engineering, zwitterionic and small-molecule coatings, bioinspired approaches, and emerging surface treatment technologies. The review emphasizes the mechanisms of these techniques and their impacts on biocompatibility parameters such as cytotoxicity, hemocompatibility, immunogenicity, and in vivo circulation time. Finally, the review addresses the current challenges faced in surface modification and outlines future research directions to guide the design of safer and more effective biomedical nanomaterials.