Advancing traumatic brain injury diagnosis through nanomaterial-based imaging technologies

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is recognized as a significant diagnostic challenge due to the complex and evolving nature of its pathophysiology, which extends beyond the resolution of conventional neuroimaging techniques such as CT and MRI. In this review, the transformative potential of nanotechnology for bridging this diagnostic gap is discussed. A systematic overview is provided of engineered nanomaterials as advanced contrast agents that significantly enhance the capabilities of two pivotal imaging modalities: fluorescence imaging and MRI. In fluorescence imaging, rationally engineered nanoprobes facilitate high-sensitivity molecular profiling, enabling quantitative and objective assessment of traumatic injury severity, evaluation and prediction of secondary injury, and real-time guidance for surgical or therapeutic interventions across varying degrees of TBI. For MRI, nanomaterial-based contrast agents markedly improve sensitivity and specificity, allowing detection of previously undetectable micro-hemorrhage and supporting multiparametric imaging for a comprehensive perspective of trauma-induced abnormal vasculatures and the underlying pathophysiology of TBI. Collectively, these nanotechnology-driven advances are regarded as a paradigm shift from passive anatomical description toward the active, molecular-level interrogation of the dynamic TBI process. Although challenges in biosafety, manufacturing, and regulatory approval remain, these innovative approaches hold promise for personalizing diagnosis, improving prognostication, and guiding targeted therapies in neurotrauma. • Fluorescence nanomaterial-based molecular profiling, severity assessment, and intervention guidance of TBI were summarized. • Nanomaterial-based multiparametric MRI for detecting micro-hemorrhage and mapping abnormal vasculature in TBI was reviewed. • Benefits, challenges, and future perspectives of nanomaterial-based imaging strategies for TBI diagnosis were discussed.