Emerging Nanomedicine Strategies for Sepsis: Immunomodulation and Beyond

Sepsis is defined as a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host immune response to infection, initiated by an excessive inflammatory cascade that frequently progresses to immunoparalysis characterized by immune cell dysfunction. In this review, we first provide an overview of the key elements and stages in the onset and progression of sepsis. Subsequently, we discuss the recent advances of biomaterial-based nanomedicine (including organic nanomaterials, inorganic nanomaterials, and natural bio-inspired nanomaterials) in the treatment of sepsis. The elimination of pathogens and the modulation of the immune response within the sepsis microenvironment through the design of diverse biomaterial systems were specifically summarized. Finally, we discuss the challenges and opportunities for biomaterial-based nanomedicine in the treatment of sepsis.