Silver iodide (AgI) nanostructures have been considered as promising candidates for optical biosensors owing to their optical characteristics of optical properties, including tunable surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and fluorescence enhancement. Such properties let one analyze biomolecules with high sensitivity, which makes them ultra-useful in diagnostics. The formed AgI nanostructures can be synthesized using chemical precipitation and template methods that enable fine-tuning of the morphology and crystallinity of the final nanostructure. The presence of SPR enhances optical signals potentially, and fluorescence enhancement helps visualize biomolecule interactions easier as the analyte concentration is usually low. Such uses of biosensors include applications in proteins, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules for progress in disease diagnosis and pharmacogenomics. Moreover, the good biocompatibility level of the created AgI nanostructures makes it possible to integrate them into biological systems safely, increasing their usage in medicine. This integration of their appealing optics, biosensing operating principles, and biocompatibility establishes their centrality in the creation of future photonic biosensors for faster, intuitive, and painless detection.

Nanoparticles (NPs) are at the forefront as they are providing unprecedented solutions to obstacles and issues in treating neurodegenerative diseases. Due to their size, surface characteristics, and ability to be functionalized, these carriers can directly deliver therapeutics across what is considered one of the main barriers to central nervous system (CNS) treatment, the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Through nano-technology, anti-disease agents such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s therapies become more bioavailable, specific in action, and with fewer side effects. The NPs serve as molecular carriers that facilitate transport across the BBB by receptor-mediated transcytosis or by disruption of the barrier with a view to properly delivering drugs to the neural tissues. Some of the therapeutic applications of nanotechnology also present the concept of molecular medicine since the NPs are designed to deliver drugs in accordance with specific biomolecule signals. Besides the therapeutic applications, NPs replace the traditional contrast media for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans for better diagnosis as well as disease tracking in the early stages. In addition, their effects on solubility increase the therapeutic potential of earlier useless compounds, and the preservation of bioactive molecules from degradation increases the therapeutic capacity of medications. Neurodegenerative disorders are marked by oxidative stress and inflammation that contribute to the disease severity; thus, liposomes, dendrimers, and polymeric NPs encapsulate antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, so they target the areas most affected by the disease. Such sophisticated systems minimize the extension of neuronal deterioration and enhance the lot of such patients. The “theranostic” NPs allow for continuous diagnosis and treatment by containing both diagnostic and therapeutic features. These have created unprecedented opportunities to meet the unmet needs in CNS disorders and may revolutionize the evolution of managing neurodegenerative diseases and innovative neuroimaging procedures in the future.

Hydrogel-based drug delivery systems (DDS) offer promising alternatives for treating ocular diseases by overcoming the limitations of traditional therapies, such as low bioavailability, frequent administration, and invasiveness. Hydrogels, with their high biocompatibility and ability to respond to external stimuli, can provide sustained and targeted drug delivery. This review highlights the unique properties of hydrogels, including their swelling behavior, porosity, and mechanical strength, making them suitable for various ocular applications. The classification of hydrogels based on cross-linking methods, origins, and stimuli responsiveness is discussed, emphasizing their potential in drug delivery for dry eye disease (DED), glaucoma, corneal alkali burns, and neovascularization. Notable advances include thermosensitive and pH-responsive hydrogels, which have shown promising results in preclinical studies. Despite these advances, most studies are still in preclinical stages, highlighting the need for rigorous human trials to validate the safety and efficacy of hydrogel DDS. Collaborative efforts among researchers, pharmacologists, and ophthalmologists are essential to translating these innovations into clinical practice, ultimately improving patient outcomes in ocular disease management.

The fusion of biomaterial science with clinical practice in oculoplastic and orbital surgery, particularly in the reconstruction of the posterior lamella of the eyelid, the lacrimal system, orbital floor fractures, and the development of implants for anophthalmic sockets, represents a frontier where materials meet surgical techniques. This review, which spans research from 2015 to 2023, delves into the application and integration of biopolymers and functional biomaterials in these complex areas. The discussion begins by reviewing the key anatomy of the external ocular surface, lacrimal system, and orbit. It then summarizes the various current surgical approaches for treating diseases affecting the external ocular surface and orbital involvement, with an emphasis on the associated challenges. The discussion continues with a comprehensive overview of the advantages and disadvantages of current and emerging biomaterials, including synthetic and natural polymers, used in reconstructive surgeries. These include applications for eyelid structure reconstruction, lacrimal system repair, orbital bone fracture repair, and orbital socket reconstruction. Throughout the review, the pathophysiology and challenges associated with these reconstructive procedures are explored, with an emphasis on surgical nuances and the ongoing pursuit of optimal reconstruction techniques. Finally, this review serves as a valuable resource for familiarizing clinicians with current knowledge and generating future hypotheses. It concludes that no evidence-based guidelines currently exist in oculoplastic surgery regarding the use of biopolymers in reconstructive procedures. Further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy and reproducibility of these biopolymers.