Marine materials: New hope for biomedical applications

Marine-derived materials hold immense promise for biomedical applications due to their diverse structures, bioactive properties, and excellent biocompatibility. These materials, including polysaccharides, proteins, and other bioactive compounds, have been extensively explored for use in nano-delivery systems, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. In this review, we highlight the latest advancements in marine materials over the past 5 years, focusing on their structural characteristics, biological functionalities, and biomedical applications. Specifically, we examine their role in drug delivery systems, where marine-based nanoparticles enhance drug stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery. Additionally, the review delves into the regenerative potential of marine materials in bone, cartilage, and soft tissue repair, demonstrating their capacity to accelerate wound healing, promote osteogenesis, and facilitate tissue regeneration. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges associated with large-scale production, safety assessments, and regulatory compliance, while offering insights into future directions for optimizing marine materials for clinical translation. By elucidating the multifaceted potential of marine-derived materials, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of their role in modern biomedical applications and inspire further research in this rapidly growing field.