Emerging biomimetic nanotechnology in orthopedic diseases: progress, challenges, and opportunities

Orthopedic diseases (e.g., fracture, bone tumor, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, chronic inflammation, and infection) can result in locomotion disability, loss of protection for other soft tissues/organs, or dysfunction of hematopoiesis, mineral homeostasis, and other functions. The development of biomimetic nanotechnology has advanced the innovation of orthopedic therapies for restoring the structure, composition, and biophysiological functions of the natural bone tissue. Identification of the pathogenesis and understanding the disease progression can greatly benefit the design and optimization of disease-specific therapy. Herein, we summarize guidelines on how biomimetic nanotechnology can be utilized in more efficiently treating various orthopedic diseases. We also discuss unmet needs and current challenges that might hinder the clinical implementation of biomimetic nanotechnology-based orthopedic therapies.