Multimetallic nanostructures: innovations and applications in environmental remediation, biosensing, and medical technologies

Multimetallic nanostructures (MNs) have emerged as versatile materials with significant potential in various applications, including environmental remediation, biosensing, and medical technologies. Their unique electronic, catalytic, and optical properties make them effective for pollutant removal, sensitive detection of biomarkers, and targeted drug delivery. This article reviews the diverse applications of MNs, focusing on their role in degrading environmental pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, organic dyes, pesticides, and heavy metals, through mechanisms like photocatalysis, reduction-oxidation, and adsorption. In biosensing, MNs enhance the performance of sensors by improving electrocatalytic activity, optical detection, and magnetic separation, while also enabling the development of artificial enzymes (nanozymes). In medicine, MNs are utilized in targeted cancer therapy, antimicrobial treatments, and early detection of diseases, with potential for multimodal therapy combining radiotherapy, photothermal therapy, and chemodynamic therapy. Despite their promise, challenges remain in the stability, selectivity, and biocompatibility of MNs, as well as their scalability and integration into practical devices. The article also discusses the future directions for research, including the need for interdisciplinary approaches to optimize the design, synthesis, and application of MNs, and highlights the role of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and mobile platforms in advancing their real-world use. Overall, multimetallic nanostructures represent a transformative technology with the potential to address critical environmental and health-related issues, offering sustainable solutions for the future.