A comprehensive review of mussel-inspired polydopamine nanostructures for regenerative medicine

Regenerative medicine is a dynamic, multidisciplinary area aimed at repairing and restoring the function of tissues and organs, incorporating diverse strategies like tissue engineering, bone regeneration, wound healing, and immunomodulation. In this field, biomaterials with exceptional physicochemical and biological properties-such as medical-grade metals, bioceramics, and polymers-play a crucial role. Among these, polydopamine (PDA) stands out as a highly promising material due to its straightforward synthesis, excellent biocompatibility, robust adhesive properties, ease of functionalization, high photothermal (PT) efficiency, and quenching capabilities. These qualities have sparked significant interest in PDA for regenerative medicine, where it acts as a versatile platform for surface modification, facilitating the development of multifunctional nanomaterials with extensive biomedical applications. This review offers a detailed examination of recent progress in PDA research, covering its synthesis processes, physicochemical properties, nanostructured forms, and diverse applications in regenerative medicine. Additionally, it critically assesses current challenges and provides insights into the future development of PDA-based nanoplatforms.