A Comprehensive Review of Niobium Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, Applications in Health Sciences, and Future Challenges

Niobium nanoparticles (NbNPs) have gained attention as promising materials in biomedical applications due to their exceptional biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and versatility. These nanoparticles offer potential in drug delivery, imaging, and tissue engineering, where their nanoscale propert...

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Main Authors: Muhammad Usman Khalid, Austeja Rudokaite, Alessandro Marcio Hakme da Silva, Monika Kirsnyte-Snioke, Arunas Stirke, Wanessa C. M. A. Melo
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Nanomaterials
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/2/106
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author Muhammad Usman Khalid
Austeja Rudokaite
Alessandro Marcio Hakme da Silva
Monika Kirsnyte-Snioke
Arunas Stirke
Wanessa C. M. A. Melo
author_facet Muhammad Usman Khalid
Austeja Rudokaite
Alessandro Marcio Hakme da Silva
Monika Kirsnyte-Snioke
Arunas Stirke
Wanessa C. M. A. Melo
author_sort Muhammad Usman Khalid
collection DOAJ
description Niobium nanoparticles (NbNPs) have gained attention as promising materials in biomedical applications due to their exceptional biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and versatility. These nanoparticles offer potential in drug delivery, imaging, and tissue engineering, where their nanoscale properties allow precise interactions with biological systems. Among niobium-based nanomaterials, niobium pentoxide (Nb<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>) is the most extensively studied due to its chemical stability, bioactivity, and optical properties. Nb<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> nanoparticles have shown significant potential in catalysis, biosensing, and photodynamic therapy, as their stability and reactivity make them ideal for functionalization in advanced biomedical applications. Despite these advantages, challenges remain regarding the biodegradability and long-term retention of NbNPs in biological systems. Their accumulation in tissues can lead to risks such as chronic inflammation or toxicity, emphasizing the importance of designing nanoparticles with controlled clearance and biodegradability. Surface modifications, such as coatings with biocompatible polymers, have demonstrated the ability to mitigate these risks while enhancing therapeutic efficacy. This review provides a comprehensive overview of NbNPs, with a focus on Nb<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>, highlighting their unique properties, current biomedical applications, and limitations. By addressing the remaining challenges, this work aims to guide the development of safer and more effective niobium-based nanomaterials for future medical innovations.
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spelling doaj-art-0c8bd76b642243fa98212923659017192025-01-24T13:44:09ZengMDPI AGNanomaterials2079-49912025-01-0115210610.3390/nano15020106A Comprehensive Review of Niobium Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, Applications in Health Sciences, and Future ChallengesMuhammad Usman Khalid0Austeja Rudokaite1Alessandro Marcio Hakme da Silva2Monika Kirsnyte-Snioke3Arunas Stirke4Wanessa C. M. A. Melo5Department of Functional Materials and Electronics, State Research Institute Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC), 10257 Vilnius, LithuaniaDepartment of Functional Materials and Electronics, State Research Institute Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC), 10257 Vilnius, LithuaniaBioengineering Graduate Program, Scientific and Technological Institute, Brazil University, São Paulo 05508-220, BrazilDepartment of Functional Materials and Electronics, State Research Institute Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC), 10257 Vilnius, LithuaniaDepartment of Functional Materials and Electronics, State Research Institute Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC), 10257 Vilnius, LithuaniaDepartment of Functional Materials and Electronics, State Research Institute Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC), 10257 Vilnius, LithuaniaNiobium nanoparticles (NbNPs) have gained attention as promising materials in biomedical applications due to their exceptional biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and versatility. These nanoparticles offer potential in drug delivery, imaging, and tissue engineering, where their nanoscale properties allow precise interactions with biological systems. Among niobium-based nanomaterials, niobium pentoxide (Nb<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>) is the most extensively studied due to its chemical stability, bioactivity, and optical properties. Nb<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> nanoparticles have shown significant potential in catalysis, biosensing, and photodynamic therapy, as their stability and reactivity make them ideal for functionalization in advanced biomedical applications. Despite these advantages, challenges remain regarding the biodegradability and long-term retention of NbNPs in biological systems. Their accumulation in tissues can lead to risks such as chronic inflammation or toxicity, emphasizing the importance of designing nanoparticles with controlled clearance and biodegradability. Surface modifications, such as coatings with biocompatible polymers, have demonstrated the ability to mitigate these risks while enhancing therapeutic efficacy. This review provides a comprehensive overview of NbNPs, with a focus on Nb<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>, highlighting their unique properties, current biomedical applications, and limitations. By addressing the remaining challenges, this work aims to guide the development of safer and more effective niobium-based nanomaterials for future medical innovations.https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/2/106nanomaterialsniobiumdrug deliveryinfection treatmentbiomedical application
spellingShingle Muhammad Usman Khalid
Austeja Rudokaite
Alessandro Marcio Hakme da Silva
Monika Kirsnyte-Snioke
Arunas Stirke
Wanessa C. M. A. Melo
A Comprehensive Review of Niobium Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, Applications in Health Sciences, and Future Challenges
Nanomaterials
nanomaterials
niobium
drug delivery
infection treatment
biomedical application
title A Comprehensive Review of Niobium Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, Applications in Health Sciences, and Future Challenges
title_full A Comprehensive Review of Niobium Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, Applications in Health Sciences, and Future Challenges
title_fullStr A Comprehensive Review of Niobium Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, Applications in Health Sciences, and Future Challenges
title_full_unstemmed A Comprehensive Review of Niobium Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, Applications in Health Sciences, and Future Challenges
title_short A Comprehensive Review of Niobium Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, Applications in Health Sciences, and Future Challenges
title_sort comprehensive review of niobium nanoparticles synthesis characterization applications in health sciences and future challenges
topic nanomaterials
niobium
drug delivery
infection treatment
biomedical application
url https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/2/106
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