Functional nanomaterials for immunomodulation in bone regeneration: a bibliometric analysis of the osteoimmune research landscape

Background Functional nanomaterials are increasingly used in bone regeneration as both structural supports and bioactive interfaces that modulate the osteoimmune microenvironment. Macrophage regulation is a major research focus linking material properties with inflammation resolution, osteogenesis, angiogenesis, and osseointegration. This study aimed to characterize the scientific and intellectual landscape of nanomaterial-enabled bone regeneration from an osteoimmune perspective, with particular attention to macrophage-related research within the broader osteoimmune network. Methods Publications addressing immune or osteoimmune regulation, nanomaterials, and bone regeneration or osseointegration were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus through 31 December 2025. After deduplication and eligibility screening, 1,006 English-language original articles and reviews were included. Bibliometric analyses evaluated publication trends, collaboration, citation performance, keyword co-occurrence, conceptual structure, thematic evolution, reference co-citation, and citation-burst dynamics. Results Annual output increased from 2 publications in 2012 to 291 in 2025, with 77.2% of records published during 2022–2025. Bone regeneration, osteogenesis, macrophage, immunomodulation, and macrophage polarization were the most prominent keywords. Network and thematic analyses showed close associations between immune regulation and angiogenesis, tissue engineering, hydrogels, nanoparticles, osseointegration, antibacterial strategies, and periodontitis. Co-citation and citation-burst analyses further indicated an evolving intellectual foundation linking macrophage biology, material-interface properties, and skeletal regeneration. Conclusion The field is increasingly shifting from predominantly osteogenic material design toward nanomaterial-enabled regulation of the osteoimmune microenvironment. Macrophage-related research remains prominent, while spatiotemporal immune regulation, multicellular interactions, and disease-specific regenerative microenvironments are emerging priorities.