Current trends in the development of nanomaterials and their use in medicine

Nanomaterials are a promising class of biomaterials with wide applications in medicine, particularly in tissue engineering, trauma surgery, and regenerative medicine. Among them, nanocellulose derived from renewable plant sources stands out due to its high mechanical strength, large surface area, biodegradability, and antimicrobial properties. These features make it attractive for wound healing, drug delivery, and bone tissue repair.However, nanocellulose lacks the inherent biological activity required to stimulate bone regeneration. To address this, researchers are developing composites that combine nanocellulose with osteoactive materials such as calcium phosphates, silicates, and carbon nanotubes. These combinations enhance mechanical properties, bioactivity, and degradation control, making them suitable for bone implants.Preclinical studies, including rat femoral defect models, demonstrated that nanocellulose-based composites support bone regeneration at levels comparable to or better than traditional materials like autologous blood clots. Histological analysis reveals good integration with host tissues, minimalinflammatory response, sufficient vascularization, and low risk of bacterial infection.This review summarizes current progress in the application of nanocellulose in bone regeneration and trauma care, highlights existing limitations, and outlines future directions for its clinical use.