Gallium-infused nanomaterials for cancer theranostics and biosensing: Advancement and translation outlooks

Liquid metals have recently gained considerable attention in biomedical research due to their versatility and superior functional performance. Among them, gallium stands out as a valuable nuclear medicinal element owing to its intrinsic radioactivity and established applications in orthopedic disorders, calcium metabolism abnormalities, and cancer. Its distinct physical and chemical properties further position gallium as an excellent candidate for advanced diagnostic and therapeutic systems. This review aims to consolidate and critically evaluate recent advancements in gallium-based nanotechnologies by synthesizing findings from contemporary experimental studies, technological innovations, and patent literature. The analysis integrates multidisciplinary evidence covering cancer therapy, biomedical imaging, biosensing, molecular interaction studies, and targeted drug delivery strategies to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state and future potential of gallium-enabled nanosystems. Gallium-based nanoconjugates have demonstrated enhanced anticancer effects across various therapeutic modalities, including photothermal therapy, sonodynamic therapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Parallel advancements in imaging technologies and biosensing systems highlight gallium’s strong diagnostic potential. Additionally, the expanding patent landscape for gallium-based nanoplatforms underscores growing interest in their clinical translation, particularly for oncology-focused applications. Gallium-containing nanostructures exhibit significant promise as multifunctional agents for cancer theranostics. Ongoing innovation in materials engineering, mechanistic understanding, and translational research is anticipated to accelerate their movement toward clinical application further.