Nano surgery: use of nanotechnology for surgical procedures at the cellular and molecular level

Abstract

This article reviews the role of nanotechnology in the evolution of surgical techniques, focusing on nano surgery applied to cellular and molecular-level procedures. The review covers recent advances, such as the use of nano-enabled hydrogels in ocular surgeries and the development of multimodal nano agents to enhance surgical precision in tumor resections. The use of nanomaterials in orthopedic implants is also discussed, highlighting the impact of nanoparticles on infection prevention. Furthermore, nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) is examined as an effective tool in bone regeneration, with surface modifications to increase its bioactivity. The methodology of this systematic review involved analyzing studies published over the last 20 years, selected from databases such as PubMed and LILACS, using descriptors related to "nanotechnology," "nano surgery," and "minimally invasive procedures." Studies involving the application of nanotechnology in humans, focusing on surgeries and tissue regeneration, were included. The initial screening identified 120 studies, and 5 were selected for detailed analysis. Exclusion criteria included studies not directly related to nanotechnology in surgeries and publications older than 20 years. The results emphasize that while innovations in nano surgery and nanotechnology show great promise, further research is needed to validate their safety and clinical efficacy on a large scale. These innovations represent a new frontier in surgical medicine, but challenges related to regulation and standardization need to be addressed for widespread clinical adoption.