The Enhanced Permeability and Retention (EPR) effect is a key mechanism for passive tumor targeting, which involves the selective accumulation of therapeutic nanoparticles in tumors due to their unique vascular characteristics. While previous reviews have explored this phenomenon, the present review offers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach, highlighting recent advancements in strategies to enhance the EPR effect, as well as novel insights into the role of tumor microenvironment heterogeneity and the multifaceted approaches to overcome EPR-related challenges. This review provides a detailed analysis of the latest developments in nanocarriers’ design, including size, shape, and surface modifications, as well as cutting-edge multi-stage drug delivery systems. Furthermore, the integration of physical, pharmacological, and combinatory therapies to optimize the EPR effect is also discussed, aiming to improve the clinical translation of nanomedicines. Unlike other reviews, this work emphasizes the dynamic interaction between the tumor microenvironment and the vascular network, which remains underexplored in the current literature. In addition, specific clinical trials’ outcomes are highlighted and future directions to address existing limitations are proposed, offering a clearer roadmap regarding clinical applications in cancer therapy.

Contemporary technological and industrial advancements have led to increased reliance on chemicals for product innovation, leading to heightened contamination of water sources by traditional pollutants (organic dyes, heavy metals) and disease-causing microorganisms. Wastewater treatment processes now reveal “emerging pollutants”, including pharmaceuticals, endocrine disruptors, and agricultural chemicals. While some are benign, certain emerging pollutants can harm diverse organisms. Researchers seek cost-effective water purification methods that completely degrade pollutants without generating harmful by-products. Semiconductor-based photocatalytic degradation, particularly using titanium dioxide (TiO₂), is popular for addressing water pollution. This study focuses on recent applications of TiO₂ nanostructures in photocatalysis for eliminating various water pollutants. Structural modifications, like doping and nanocomposite formation, enhance photocatalyst performance. The study emphasizes photocatalytic elimination mechanisms and comprehensively discusses factors impacting both the mechanism and performance of nano-TiO₂-based photocatalysts. Characteristics of TiO₂, such as crystal structure and energy band-gap, along with its photocatalytic activity mechanism, are presented. The review covers the advantages and limitations of different TiO₂ nanostructure production approaches and addresses potential toxicity to human health and the environment. In summary, this review provides a holistic perspective on applying nano-TiO₂ materials to mitigate water pollution.

In recent times, there has been considerable interest among researchers in magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles, due to their excellent biocompatibility, stability, and diverse biomedical uses, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties, as well as tissue engineering, bioimaging, and drug delivery applications. Consequently, the escalating utilization of magnesium oxide nanoparticles in medical contexts necessitates the in-depth exploration of these nanoparticles. Notably, existing literature lacks a comprehensive review of magnesium oxide nanoparticles’ synthesis methods, detailed biomedical applications with mechanisms, and toxicity assessments. Thus, this review aims to bridge this gap by furnishing a comprehensive insight into various synthetic approaches for the development of MgO nanoparticles. Additionally, it elucidates their noteworthy biomedical applications as well as their potential mechanisms of action, alongside summarizing their toxicity profiles. This article also highlights challenges and future prospects for further exploring MgO nanoparticles in the biomedical field. Existing literature indicates that synthesized magnesium oxide nanoparticles demonstrate substantial biocompatibility and display significant antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. Consequently, this review intends to enhance readers’ comprehension regarding recent advancements in synthesizing MgO nanoparticles through diverse approaches and their promising applications in biomedicine.