Research progress and prospects of nanomaterials in imaging of central nervous system diseases

Nanomaterials have garnered significant attention in recent years for their application in the imaging of central nervous system diseases (CNSDs). To comprehensively understand the research progress and trends in this field, this paper conducted a bibliometric analysis of relevant literature over the past fourteen years, systematically reviewing the research hotspots and development trends in the application of nanomaterials for CNSDs imaging. Using CiteSpace for visual data analysis, relationship networks among countries, institutions, journals, research categories, authors, and keywords were presented through specified mapping. The findings reveal that China is the country with the highest number of publications, the Chinese Academy of Sciences is the institution with the most published articles, and "Biomaterials" is the most frequently cited journal. Keywords such as fluorescence imaging, release, proteins, and targeted delivery represent current research hotspots, indicating a shift in focus toward precision imaging and intelligent delivery. Cluster analysis reveals that current research has progressed from single-performance optimization to the development of intelligent responsive nano-systems-integrating targeted delivery, environmentally responsive release, and multimodal imaging. However, nanomaterials still face multiple challenges and limitations spanning from basic research to clinical translation, and their application in CNSDs remains experimental. Therefore, further interdisciplinary research across materials science, chemistry, biology, and medicine is necessary to break down disciplinary barriers and promote clinical translation, ultimately enabling revolutionary breakthroughs in nano-theranostic technologies for central nervous system diseases.