Biomedical Applications of Functionalized ZnO Nanomaterials: from Biosensors to Bioimaging

The richness of the structures and properties of members of the ZnO‐based nanostructure family endows these materials with diverse functionalities. In the last decade, the great potential of ZnO‐based nanostructures for biomedical applications due to their unique electronic, optical, catalytical, and antimicrobial properties, as well as their excellent biocompatibility, has been recognized. The ever‐deteriorating environment and the rapidly aging population have given rise to an increase in diseases, healthcare concerns and medical costs, particularly in developing countries, which has led to a high demand for better and lower‐cost biomedical devices with novel biofunctionalities. Here, we review the recent advances in research on nanostructured ZnO‐based biomaterials that have been developed for biomedical applications, such as in biosensorsing, tissue regeneration, bioimaging and drug delivery.