Concurrent developments in anticancer nanotechnological treatments have been observed as the burden of cancer increases every year. The 21st century has seen a transformation in the study of medicine thanks to the advancement in the field of material science and nanomedicine. Improved drug delivery systems with proven efficacy and fewer side effects have been made possible. Nanoformulations with varied functions are being created using lipids, polymers, and inorganic and peptide-based nanomedicines. Therefore, thorough knowledge of these intelligent nanomedicines is crucial for developing very promising drug delivery systems. Polymeric micelles are often simple to make and have high solubilization characteristics; as a result, they seem to be a promising alternative to other nanosystems. Even though recent studies have provided an overview of polymeric micelles, here we included a discussion on the “intelligent” drug delivery from these systems. We also summarized the state-of-the-art and the most recent developments of polymeric micellar systems with respect to cancer treatments. Additionally, we gave significant attention to the clinical translation potential of polymeric micellar systems in the treatment of various cancers.

This study provides a brief discussion of the major nanopharmaceuticals formulations as well as the impact of nanotechnology on the future of pharmaceuticals. Effective and eco-friendly strategies of biofabrication are also highlighted. Modern approaches to designing pharmaceutical nanoformulations (e.g., 3D printing, Phyto-Nanotechnology, Biomimetics/Bioinspiration, etc.) are outlined. This paper discusses the need to use natural resources for the “green” design of new nanoformulations with therapeutic efficiency. Nanopharmaceuticals research is still in its early stages, and the preparation of nanomaterials must be carefully considered. Therefore, safety and long-term effects of pharmaceutical nanoformulations must not be overlooked. The testing of nanopharmaceuticals represents an essential point in their further applications. Vegetal scaffolds obtained by decellularizing plant leaves represent a valuable, bioinspired model for nanopharmaceutical testing that avoids using animals. Nanoformulations are critical in various fields, especially in pharmacy, medicine, agriculture, and material science, due to their unique properties and advantages over conventional formulations that allows improved solubility, bioavailability, targeted drug delivery, controlled release, and reduced toxicity. Nanopharmaceuticals have transitioned from experimental stages to being a vital component of clinical practice, significantly improving outcomes in medical fields for cancer treatment, infectious diseases, neurological disorders, personalized medicine, and advanced diagnostics. Here are the key points highlighting their importance. The significant challenges, opportunities, and future directions are mentioned in the final section.

AI and ML have emerged as transformative tools in various scientific domains, including hydrogel design. This work explores the integration of AI and ML techniques in the realm of hydrogel development, highlighting their significance in enhancing the design, characterisation, and optimisation of hydrogels for diverse applications. We introduced the concept of AI train hydrogel design, underscoring its potential to decode intricate relationships between hydrogel compositions, structures, and properties from complex data sets. In this work, we outlined classical physical and chemical techniques in hydrogel design, setting the stage for AI/ML advancements. These methods provide a foundational understanding for the subsequent AI-driven innovations. Numerical and analytical methods empowered by AI/ML were also included. These computational tools enable predictive simulations of hydrogel behaviour under varying conditions, aiding in property customisation. We also emphasised AI’s impact, elucidating its role in rapid material discovery, precise property predictions, and optimal design. ML techniques like neural networks and support vector machines that expedite pattern recognition and predictive modelling using vast datasets, advancing hydrogel formulation discovery are also presented. AI and ML’s have a transformative influence on hydrogel design. AI and ML have revolutionised hydrogel design by expediting material discovery, optimising properties, reducing costs, and enabling precise customisation. These technologies have the potential to address pressing healthcare and biomedical challenges, offering innovative solutions for drug delivery, tissue engineering, wound healing, and more. By harmonising computational insights with classical techniques, researchers can unlock unprecedented hydrogel potentials, tailoring solutions for diverse applications.

This review explores the extensive applications of plants in areas of biomimetics and bioinspiration, highlighting their role in developing sustainable solutions across various fields such as medicine, materials science, and environmental technology. Plants not only serve essential ecological functions but also provide a rich source of inspiration for innovations in green nanotechnology, biomedicine, and architecture. In the past decade, the focus has shifted towards utilizing plant-based and vegetal waste materials in creating eco-friendly and cost-effective materials with remarkable properties. These materials are employed in making advancements in drug delivery, environmental remediation, and the production of renewable energy. Specifically, the review discusses the use of (nano)bionic plants capable of detecting explosives and environmental contaminants, underscoring their potential in improving quality of life and even in lifesaving applications. The work also refers to the architectural inspirations drawn from the plant world to develop novel design concepts that are both functional and aesthetic. It elaborates on how engineered plants and vegetal waste have been transformed into value-added materials through innovative applications, especially highlighting their roles in wastewater treatment and as electronic components. Moreover, the integration of plants in the synthesis of biocompatible materials for medical applications such as tissue engineering scaffolds and artificial muscles demonstrates their versatility and capacity to replace more traditional synthetic materials, aligning with global sustainability goals. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current and potential uses of living plants in technological advancements, advocating for a deeper exploration of vegetal materials to address pressing environmental and technological challenges.

Many infections are associated with the use of implantable medical devices. The excessive utilization of antibiotic treatment has resulted in the development of antimicrobial resistance. Consequently, scientists have recently focused on conceiving new ways for treating infections with a longer duration of action and minimum environmental toxicity. One approach in infection control is based on the development of antimicrobial coatings based on polymers and antimicrobial peptides, also termed as “natural antibiotics”.

During surgery and after, pathogens can contaminate indwelling and implanted medical devices, resulting in serious infections. Microbial colonization, infection, and later biofilm formation are major complications associated with the use of implants and represent major risk factors in implant failure. Despite the fact that aseptic surgery and the use of antimicrobial medications can lower the risk of infection, systemic antibiotic use can result in a loss of efficacy, increased tissue toxicity, and the development of drug-resistant diseases. This work explores the advancements in antimicrobial coatings for head-related implantable medical devices, addressing the critical issue of infection prevention. It emphasizes the significance of these coatings in reducing biofilm formation and microbial colonization and highlights various techniques and materials used in creating effective antimicrobial surfaces. Moreover, this article presents a comprehensive overview of the current strategies and future directions in antimicrobial coating research, aiming to improve patient outcomes by preventing head-related implant-associated infections.