Chirality-engineered nanomaterials for biomedical applications

Zhusheng Huang; Hao Zhou; Shaoyin Zhang; Simin Song; Chuanliang Feng; Zhongcheng Ke; Jianyuan Tang; Yunlu Dai

doi:10.1016/j.jconrel.2026.115015

Chirality-engineered nanomaterials for biomedical applications

J Control Release. 2026 Jul 10:395:115015. doi: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2026.115015. Epub 2026 May 12.

Authors

Zhusheng Huang¹, Hao Zhou², Shaoyin Zhang², Simin Song², Chuanliang Feng³, Zhongcheng Ke⁴, Jianyuan Tang⁵, Yunlu Dai⁶

Affiliations

¹ State Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (LoFE) & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Theranostic Technology, School of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing, 210023, China; Cancer Centre and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China; MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huangshan University, Huangshan 245041, Anhui, China.
² State Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (LoFE) & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Theranostic Technology, School of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing, 210023, China.
³ State Key Lab of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Dongchuan Road 800, Shanghai 200240, China.
⁴ Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huangshan University, Huangshan 245041, Anhui, China. Electronic address: 106023@hsu.edu.cn.
⁵ Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China. Electronic address: dr.jytang@vip.163.com.
⁶ Cancer Centre and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China; MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China. Electronic address: yldai@um.edu.mo.

PMID: 42128063
DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2026.115015

Abstract

Chirality critically shapes biological recognition and signaling, and its integration into nanomaterials provides a versatile strategy to regulate nano-bio interactions and therapeutic outcomes. Precise fabrication of chiral nanostructures enables advances in drug delivery, immunomodulation, and other biomedical applications. Nanoscale chirality influences protein corona formation, cellular uptake, immune cell activation, and in vivo biodistribution, impacting pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety. This review summarizes recent progress in chiral nanomaterials design, emphasizing enantioselective biomolecular interactions, drug delivery, and immune modulation. Emerging evidence shows that chiral nanostructures can modulate innate and adaptive immunity, including dendritic cell maturation, antigen presentation, and potentiation of immune checkpoint blockade. Key challenges for translation, including scalable synthesis, enantiopurity, mechanistic insight, and comprehensive pharmacokinetics and biosafety, are critically discussed.

Keywords: Chiral nanomaterials; Chirality; Drug delivery; Immunomodulation; Nano-bio interactions; Precision medicine.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Drug Delivery Systems*
Humans
Nanostructures* / administration & dosage
Nanostructures* / chemistry
Stereoisomerism