Plasmonic Oxygen Defects in MO_3-x (M = W or Mo) Nanomaterials: Synthesis, Modifications, and Biomedical Applications

Nanomedicine is a promising technology with many advantages and provides exciting opportunities for cancer diagnosis and therapy. During recent years, the newly developed oxygen-deficiency transition metal oxides MO_3-x (M = W or Mo) have received significant attention due to the unique optical properties, such as strong localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) , tunable and broad near-IR absorption, high photothermal conversion efficiency, and large X-ray attenuation coefficient. This review presents an overview of recent advances in the development of MO_3-x nanomaterials for biomedical applications. First, the fundamentals of the LSPR effect are introduced. Then, the preparation and modification methods of MO_3-x nanomaterials are summarized. In addition, the biological effects of MO_3-x nanomaterials are highlighted and their applications in the biomedical field are outlined. This includes imaging modalities, cancer treatment, and antibacterial capability. Finally, the prospects and challenges of MO_3-x and MO_3-x -based nanomaterial for fundamental studies and clinical applications are also discussed.