Phosphorus-containing nanoparticles: biomedical patents review

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• The nano-era emerged with artificial nanosized supramolecular systems, including nanomaterials and nanoparticles (NPs).
• These advanced materials are crucial for innovations in biology and medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review patents concerning phosphorus-based nanomaterials in biological and medical applications.
• To analyze the impact of various nanomaterials on treating cancer, viral infections, and cardiovascular diseases.

Main Methods:

• Patent analysis of phosphorus-based nanomaterials (fullerenes, quantum dots [QDs], graphene, liposomes, dendrimers, gold and silver NPs).
• Evaluation of their documented applications in medicine and biology.

Main Results:

• Liposomes and dendrimers dominated biomedical patents, followed by QDs, gold, and silver NPs.
• Fullerenes and carbon nanotubes showed fewer biological and medical applications.
• A trend shows nanomaterials used for drug/gene delivery, imaging, antivirals, and contrast agents.

Conclusions:

• 'Soft' NPs like liposomes and dendrimers are more biocompatible than 'hard' NPs.
• No patents were found for phosphorus NPs in 3D printing of biological tissues.
• Nanomaterials represent promising future tools for diverse medical applications.