Research Landscape of Nanomaterials in Osteoarthritis: A Bibliometric and Knowledge Mapping Analysis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease with limited treatment options. Nanomaterials have become attractive options for OA disease modification, regenerative healing, and medication administration. This study used bibliometric and knowledge mapping techniques to systematically assess the global OA-nanomaterials research landscape. Publications from 2010 to 2024 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection and analyzed with CiteSpace and VOSviewer. Global publication trends, country and institutional contributions, author productivity, core journals, cocited references, and keyword co-occurrence patterns were assessed. Citation bursts and dual-map overlays were further applied to explore research frontiers and interdisciplinary knowledge flow. A total of 264 publications were identified. China and the United States dominated in output and international collaboration, though South Korea showed higher citation impact. Three major knowledge clusters were identified: (A) clinical pharmacology and drug delivery, (B) OA pathogenesis and management, and (C) nanomaterials and regenerative medicine. Recent hotspots have shifted toward extracellular vesicles, mesenchymal stem cells, and gene-targeted therapies such as long noncoding RNAs (e.g., SNHG7). Citation burst analysis revealed three evolutionary stages: early drug delivery exploration, material innovations, and current precision and intelligent therapies. Research on nanomaterials in OA is rapidly expanding, with increasing interdisciplinary integration. Future breakthroughs are expected at the clinical translation frontier, where nanotechnology must bridge gaps with standardized evaluation models and patient-centered outcomes.