Engineering Micro–Nanomaterials for Biomedical Translation

Engineered nano–bio interfaces – driven by vertical micro-/nanoneedles, nanoparticles, organ-onchip devices, and a diversity of nano-substrates for mass spectroscopy imaging – are spurring scientific and technological progress, from fundamental to transnational biomedical research. Each class has its own characteristic features, which is critical for their translational uptake; but they broadly share the same range of functionality and applicability at the forefront of modern research and medicine. The review provides insights into unique attributes of microneedle technology and its ability for efficient transdermal transport of therapeutic compounds. We highlight the use of nanoneedle technology in precise manipulation of increasingly complex cellular processes at the cell–material interface, and their potential for major improvements for many fundamental research applications and ex vivo cell-based therapies. We provide a snapshot in the use of FDA-approved nanoparticle therapeutics and their applications in nanomedicine. We cover achievements in organ-on-chip technology, particularly at the pre-clinical stage, and its potential to efficiently screen diverse types of therapeutics. The final section is dedicated to the use of nanomaterial-enhanced mass spectrometry in drug discovery and imaging. Overall, with this review we aim to highlight those main rules in the design of bio-nano interfaces that have successfully achieved translation into the market. A cc ep te d A rt ic le