Nanodiamonds in Advancing Biomedical Sciences

Authors

• Ebenezer Owusu, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
• Sofia Lerma, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
• Jinhyeong Jang
• Deepa Roy, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
• Shizue Mito, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
• Upal Roy, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
• Elena A. Rozhkova

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-7-2025

Abstract

Nanodiamonds (NDs), tetrahedral carbon structures with a size ranging from 1 to 100 nm, have gained growing attention in recent years due to their distinct optical, thermal, and mechanical properties compared to other carbon nanomaterials (e.g., graphene, carbon nanotubes, carbon dots). Combined with a high surface-to-volume ratio and tunable and chemically versatile surfaces, these support broad applications across catalysis, electronics, and life sciences. Moreover, the biocompatible characteristics of NDs enable their controllable interfacial interactions with biological systems, positioning them as excellent candidates for advancing cutting-edge biomedical sciences, particularly through the engineering of efficient material biointerfaces that facilitate optimal interactions with biological systems. Among various forms of NDs, fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) have emerged as some of the most impactful and rapidly advancing materials, demonstrating strong potential in ultrasensitive spin-enhanced bioimaging, high-precision biosensing, traceable drug delivery, and quantum-enabled biomedical technologies. This Review introduces the key principles underlying NDs and FNDs, including their structural properties, synthesis methods, and surface functionalization strategies. It also highlights emerging biomedical applications of NDs and FNDs, with particular emphasis on neurological disorders. Finally, the article discusses current challenges in advancing NDs as a multifunctional platform for neural therapies with translational potential toward clinical trials.

Comments

Copyright © 2025 UChicago Argonne, LLC, Operator of Argonne National Laboratory. Published by American Chemical Society   

Recommended Citation

Owusu, Ebenezer, Sofia Lerma, Jinhyeong Jang, Deepa Roy, Shizue Mito, Upal Roy, and Elena A. Rozhkova. "Nanodiamonds in Advancing Biomedical Sciences." ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 17, no. 52 (2025): 70311-70334. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.5c15244

Publication Title

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces

DOI

10.1021/acsami.5c15244