Macrophage Membrane-Coated Nanoparticles for Immunomodulation and Bone Regeneration: Emerging Applications in Oral and Dental Implant Therapy

Macrophage membrane-coated nanoparticles (MMNPs) are an emerging class of biomimetic nanoplatforms that combine the immune-regulatory functions of macrophages with the structural versatility of synthetic nanoparticles (NPs). By retaining key membrane proteins and receptors, MMNPs exhibit natural targeting capabilities, immune interactions, and inflammatory site homing, making them promising tools for immunomodulation and targeted therapy. This review summarizes macrophage biology relevant to immune regulation and discusses how nanoparticle core properties, including size, surface charge, composition, and mechanical characteristics, influence membrane coating efficiency, stability, and biological performance. Current fabrication and characterization strategies for MMNPs are also discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on the therapeutic applications of MMNPs in inflammatory disorders, tissue regeneration, and oral and dental implant-related applications. Recent studies demonstrate that MMNPs can modulate macrophage polarization, sequester pro-inflammatory cytokines, remodel the immune microenvironment, and promote tissue repair and bone regeneration, highlighting their potential to improve implant integration and reduce inflammation-associated implant failure. Despite these promising advances, challenges remain regarding large-scale manufacturing, membrane preservation, reproducibility, and long-term biosafety. Continued interdisciplinary research in nanotechnology, immunology, and biomaterials engineering is expected to accelerate the clinical translation of MMNPs for regenerative and immunomodulatory therapies.