Convergence Of Nanotechnology Research Articles

Bioactive Compounds-Loaded Polyvinyl Alcohol Hydrogels: Advancements in Smart Delivery Media for Biomedical Applications

Abstract The paper initially focuses on the characteristics of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) hydrogel as smart delivery media, such as chemical stability, biocompatibility, and capacity for controlled release of bioactive compounds. Then, it discusses the effect of loading bioactive compounds into PVA hydrogel, considering their stability of delivery media, controlled release, and targeted delivery, enhancing therapeutic outcomes. Loading bioactive compounds such as diphlorethohydroxycarmalol (DPHC), curcumin, carotenoids, andrographolide, and flavonoids into PVA hydrogels can enhance biomedical functionalities. These functionalities include improved drug delivery, wound dressing efficacy, tissue engineering potential, and contact lens applications. Further, while previous review papers have extensively covered aspects such as the source of bioactive compounds, extraction methods, synthesis of PVA hydrogel, and various biomedical applications, there remains a gap in the literature in which no studies have systematically explored the loading of bioactive compounds into PVA hydrogel. This targeted investigation distinguishes our work from previous studies and contributes a novel perspective to the expanding hydrogel market. In light of the projected compound annual growth rate of 7.15% in the hydrogel market from 2021 to 2028, this study provides a pioneering overview of recent advancements in bioactive compound-loaded PVA hydrogels. Finally, this review outlines the challenges in optimizing bioactive compound-loaded PVA hydrogels' performance and their biomedical application. In the future direction, this review explores their potential in smart delivery media, such as optimizing the loading efficiency and releasing kinetics to specific target therapeutic, crosslinking with double or triple network hydrogels, and convergence of nanotechnology with hydrogel that become frontiers in precision medicine.

Emerging Biohybrids of Aptamer-Based Nano-Biosensing Technologies for Effective Early Cancer Detection.

Cancer is a leading global cause of mortality, which underscores the imperative of early detection for improved patient outcomes. Biorecognition molecules, especially aptamers, have emerged as highly effective tools for early and accurate cancer cell identification. Aptamers, with superior versatility in synthesis and modification, offer enhanced binding specificity and stability compared with conventional antibodies. Hence, this article reviews diagnostic strategies employing aptamer-based biohybrid nano-biosensing technologies, focusing on their utility in detecting cancer biomarkers and abnormal cells. Recent developments include the synthesis of nano-aptamers using diverse nanomaterials, such as metallic nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles, carbon-derived substances, and biohybrid nanostructures. The integration of these nanomaterials with aptamers significantly enhances sensitivity and specificity, promising innovative and efficient approaches for cancer diagnosis. This convergence of nanotechnology with aptamer research holds the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment through rapid, accurate, and non-invasive diagnostic methods.

Exploring non-cytotoxic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of selenium nanoparticles synthesized from Gymnema sylvestre and Cinnamon cassia extracts for herbal nanomedicine

The increasing need for pharmaceutical agents that possess attributes such as safety, cost-effectiveness, environmental sustainability, and absence of side effects has driven the advancement of nanomedicine research, which lies at the convergence of nanotechnology and medicine. Aims and objectivesThe study aimed to synthesize non-toxic selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using Gymnema sylvestre (G. sylvestre) and Cinnamon cassia (C. cassia) extracts. It also sought to develop and evaluate versatile nanomedicine formulations i.e. selenium nanoparticles of G. sylvestre and C. cassia (SeNPs), drug (lupeol) loaded SeNPs (DLSeNPs), drug-loaded and coated (PEG) SeNPs (DLCSeNPs) without side effects. MethodsThe SeNPs formulations were hydrothermally synthesized, loaded with lupeol to improve efficacy, coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) for targeted delivery, and characterized using UV–Vis spectrophotometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta potential analysis, size distribution analysis, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Hemolytic cytotoxicity, 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydzayl (DPPH), total Reducing power, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) antioxidant assays, carrageenan-induced paw edema, and histological studies were used to estimate the acute anti-inflammatory activity of the synthesized SeNPs. ResultsThe final form of PEGylated and drug (lupeol)-loaded selenium nanoparticles (DLCSeNPs) exhibited an average particle size ranging from 100 to 500 nm as evidenced by SEM, and Zeta potential results. These nanoparticles demonstrated no cytotoxic effects and displayed remarkable antioxidant (IC50 values 19.29) and anti-inflammatory capabilities. These results were fed into Graph-pad Prism 5 software and analyzed by one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey's post hoc test (p < 0.001). All nano-formulations exhibited significant overall antioxidant activity, with IC50 values ≤ 386 (p < 0.05) as analyzed by ANOVA. The study's results suggest that G. sylvestre outperformed C. cassia in terms of reducing 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) free radical, potassium ferricyanide, and ammonium molybdate in respective antioxidant assays. As far as anti-inflammatory activities are concerned drug (lupeol)-loaded and PEG-coated G. sylvestre SeNPs exhibited the highest anti-inflammatory potential from all other nano-formulations including drug (lupeol)-loaded and PEG-coated C. cassia SeNPs, as exhibited to reduce the release of pro-inflammatory signals i.e. cytokines and NF-kB, making them innovative anti-inflammatory nanomedicine. ConclusionThe study synthesized lupeol-loaded and PEG-coated SeNPs, showcasing the potential for biocompatible, cost-effective anti-inflammatory nanomedicines. G. Sylvester's superior antioxidant and anti-inflammatory performance than Cinnamon cassia emphasizes medicinal plant versatility.

Navigating regulatory challenges in molecularly tailored nanomedicine

Nanomedicine, a convergence of nanotechnology and medical sciences, has unleashed transformative potential in healthcare. However, harnessing the benefits of nanomedicine requires a thorough understanding of its regulatory landscape. An in-depth discussion of regulatory considerations, including molecular safety assessment, harmonization of the regulatory landscape, and shaping the future of innovation, is presented in this discourse. The molecular safety assessment entails evaluating interactions between nanoparticles and biomolecules, ensuring compatibility at the molecular level. Harmonization involves developing international standards and guidelines for a consistent regulatory approach, while shaping innovations emphasizes integrating molecular safety assessments into early stages of development. Challenges encompass the need for standardized assessment methods, balancing innovation with safety, and addressing unique features of novel molecular designs. As the nanomedicine landscape evolves, effective regulatory strategies must navigate the intricate interplay of molecules and technologies, ensuring both patient access and product safety.

A Comprehensive Review of Essential Oil–Nanotechnology Synergy for Advanced Dermocosmetic Delivery

This review investigates the convergence of nanotechnology and essential oils in advanced dermocosmetic delivery. It outlines the pivotal role of inorganic and polymeric nanoparticles, such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and gold nanocarriers, in cosmeceutical applications, facilitating slow release, deeper skin penetration, and increased retention of active compounds. Essential oils, renowned for therapeutic benefits, face translation challenges due to volatility and low water solubility. This review explores the potential use of plant nanovesicles as carriers, emphasizing safety, stability, and scalability, offering a sustainable and cost-effective industrial application. Nanomaterial integration in consumer products, particularly cosmetics, is prevalent, with nanocarriers enhancing the permeation of bioactive compounds into deeper skin layers. The review emphasizes recent nanotechnological advancements, covering nanoparticle penetration, experimental models, and therapeutic applications in dermatology, ranging from non-invasive vaccination to transdermal drug delivery. Additionally, the review delves into nanomaterials’ role in addressing skin aging, focusing on tissue regeneration. Nanomaterials loaded with cosmeceuticals, such as phytochemicals and vitamins, are explored as promising solutions to mitigate signs of aging, including wrinkles and dry skin, providing innovative approaches to skin rejuvenation. Overall, the review offers a comprehensive synthesis of essential oil–nanoparticle synergy, shedding light on the current landscape and future potential of advanced dermocosmetic delivery systems.

Leveraging Remote Sensing and Nanotechnology to Overcome Barriers to Agroforestry Adoption by Small Holder Farmers

Agroforestry systems that strategically combine trees and/or shrubs with crops provide ecological and economic benefits. However, barriers including lack of quality tree germplasm, limited access to input and output markets, land tenure insecurity, and inadequate technical knowledge restrict widespread adoption of agroforestry among smallholder farmers. Advances in remote sensing and nanotechnology can help overcome these barriers. Remote sensing through high resolution satellite imagery, light detection and ranging (LiDAR), and aerial photography can map landscapes and provide geospatial information to facilitate agroforestry planning and optimization at farm scales. Nanotechnology involves manipulating matter at nanometer scales and has emerging applications in agriculture. Nanobased tools are emerging for targeted seed and agrichemical delivery, enhanced plant protection, soil remediation, and real-time field-level monitoring. The convergence of nanotechnology with information technology and biotechnology presents new opportunities to enhance agroforestry value chains to benefit smallholders. For example, nanobiosensors integrated with mobile platforms can monitor tree health and translate alerts to remedial actions and services customized to small farm contexts. In spite of significant potential, the use of remote sensing and nanotechnology in agroforestry remains limited and targeted capacity building is needed to promote wider adoption of these innovations in smallholder systems to make agroforestry a viable climate-smart approach to sustaining rural livelihoods.

Convergence of Nanotechnology and Bacteriotherapy for Biomedical Applications.

Bacteria have distinctive properties that make them ideal for biomedical applications. They can self-propel, sense their surroundings, and be externally detected. Using bacteria as medical therapeutic agents or delivery platforms opens new possibilities for advanced diagnosis and therapies. Nano-drug delivery platforms have numerous advantages over traditional ones, such as high loading capacity, controlled drug release, and adaptable functionalities. Combining bacteria and nanotechnologies to create therapeutic agents or delivery platforms has gained increasing attention in recent years and shows promise for improved diagnosis and treatment of diseases. In this review, design principles of integrating nanoparticles with bacteria, bacteria-derived nano-sized vesicles, and their applications and future in advanced diagnosis and therapeutics are summarized.

Herbal nanogels: Revolutionizing skin cancer therapy through nanotechnology and natural remedies

The escalating global incidence of skin cancer demands innovative therapeutic approaches that balance efficacy and reduced side effects. The convergence of nanotechnology and medicinal research has unveiled herbal nanogels as promising candidates for advancing skin cancer therapy. Skin cancer, comprising diverse malignancies, necessitates novel strategies to enhance treatment outcomes. Nanogels, intricate networks of cross-linked polymers at the nanoscale, have emerged as versatile vehicles for targeted drug delivery. Their ability to encapsulate a range of therapeutic agents and respond to stimuli offers a platform to revolutionize treatment paradigms. The taxonomy of nanogels encompasses physical cross-linked gels, liposome-modified nanogels, micellar nanogels, hybrid nanogels, and chemically cross-linked nanogels, each holding distinctive characteristics suitable for specific applications. The synthesis of nanogels is a precise craft involving techniques like photolithography, micro-moulding, and emulsion methods, enabling control over particle size, morphology, and drug-loading capacity. Stimuli-responsive nanogels present a dynamic facet of this field, exhibiting potential for targeted drug delivery. Noteworthy examples include LHRH-targeted nanogels and nanogels responsive to the intricate microenvironment of bacterial-accumulated tumors. One of the most intriguing developments lies in the fusion of herbal medicine and nanotechnology, paving the way for herbal nanogels. By incorporating bioactive plant-derived compounds into nanogel matrices, these constructs offer a holistic therapeutic approach. The convergence of nanotechnology and herbal medicine in the form of herbal nanogels presents a promising avenue for elevating skin cancer therapy. Through precise drug delivery mechanisms and responsiveness to complex microenvironments, nanogels exhibit a potential to reshape treatment norms. This comprehensive review provides an in-depth roadmap of the evolving landscape of herbal nanogels, illuminating their potential as effective, targeted, and minimally invasive tools for combating skin cancer.

Emerging Nanomaterials Biosensors in Breathalyzers for Detection of COVID-19: Future Prospects

In recent times, the global landscape of disease detection and monitoring has been profoundly influenced by the convergence of nanotechnology and biosensing techniques. Biosensors have enormous potential to monitor human health, with flexible or wearable variants, through monitoring of biomarkers in clinical and biological behaviors and applications related to health and disease, with increasing biorecognition, sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy. The emergence of nanomaterial-based biosensors has ushered in a new era of rapid and sensitive diagnostic tools, offering unparalleled capabilities in the realm of disease identification. Even after the declaration of the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for efficient and accessible diagnostic methodologies has grown exponentially. In response, the integration of nanomaterial biosensors into breathalyzer devices has gained considerable attention as a promising avenue for low-cost, non-invasive, and early detection of COVID-19. This review delves into the forefront of scientific advancements, exploring the potential of emerging nanomaterial biosensors within breathalyzers to revolutionize the landscape of COVID-19 detection, providing a comprehensive overview of their principles, applications, and implications.

SUSTAINABLE WASTE MANAGEMENT APPROACHES THROUGHNANOMATERIALS AND NANOBIOREMEDIATION:A REVIEW

Environmental pollution resulting from the release of various pollutants into ecosystems is a growing concern worldwide. Traditional bioremediation methods have demonstrated effectiveness in detoxifying contaminated environments, yet their efficiency is often limited by the complex nature of pollutants and the dynamics of environmental matrices. In recent years, the convergence of nanotechnology and bioremediation has emerged as a promising approach to address these limitations. Researchers and scientists in various fields of environmental sciences, particularly in bioremediation, have paid close attention to nanomaterials because they possess distinctive physical and chemical features. The improvement in living standards brought about by science and technology also has an impact either directly or indirectly on the rise in toxic waste. Therefore, removing poisons from the environment with current technology does not adequately and efficiently clean it up. The use of nanomaterials for bioremediation would not only have a less negative impact on microorganisms but will increase the microbial activity of the specific waste and toxic material, lowering the overall time consumption and the overall cost. The objective of nanotechnology functional side is to improve material performance andreduce the quantity of materials needed to complete the cleanup process. Nano-bio remediation uses ex-situ or in-situ nanomaterials to treat contaminated materials. Therefore, using nanomaterials to remove environmental pollution could be an efficient, effective method that is sustainable. This review paper presents an overview of the recent advancements and future prospects of nano bioremediation, highlighting the potential of nanomaterials in enhancing the efficiency and specificity of bioremediation processes.

Nanotechnology and Biomaterials in Orthopaedic Medical Applications

The convergence of nanotechnology and biomaterials has heralded a transformative era in orthopaedics, revolutionizing the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders. This paper explores the profound impact of this synergy, focusing on innovations in implant design, regenerative therapies, targeted drug delivery, and advanced diagnostics. Nanotechnology's precision engineering has enabled the creation of implants that mimic natural bone, facilitating integration and improving mechanical stability. The fusion with biomaterials has led to scaffolds that foster tissue regeneration and implants with enhanced biocompatibility and longevity. The paper also delves into the challenges of this convergence, such as ensuring biocompatibility, navigating regulatory landscapes, and translating laboratory innovations into clinical practice. The research found that the strategic integration of nanotechnology and biomaterials holds immense promise for reshaping orthopaedic care, enhancing patient outcomes, and elevating the standards of treatment. This research signifies a critical exploration of the convergence of nanotechnology and biomaterials within orthopaedics, offering a comprehensive analysis that not only elucidates the transformative potential of this fusion but also provides insights and guidance for future research and clinical applications, thereby contributing to the advancement of personalized and effective treatments in the field.

Exploring nanocomposites for controlling infectious microorganisms: charting the path forward in antimicrobial strategies.

Nanocomposites, formed by combining a matrix (commonly polymer or ceramic) with nanofillers (nano-sized inclusions like nanoparticles or nanofibers), possess distinct attributes attributed to their composition. Their unique physicochemical properties and interaction capabilities with microbial cells position them as a promising avenue for infectious disease treatment. The escalating prevalence of multi-drug resistant bacteria intensifies the need for alternative solutions. Traditional approaches involve antimicrobial agents like antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals, targeting specific microbial aspects. This review presents a comprehensive overview of diverse nanocomposite types and highlights the potential of tailored matrix and antibacterial agent selection within nanocomposites to enhance treatment efficacy and decrease antibiotic resistance risks. Challenges such as toxicity, safety, and scalability in clinical applications are also acknowledged. Ultimately, the convergence of nanotechnology and infectious disease research offers the prospect of enhanced therapeutic strategies, envisioning a future wherein advanced materials revolutionize the landscape of medical treatment.

The Art of Nanoimmunoherbogenomics 5.0

Nanoimmunoherbogenomics 5.0 symbolizes an innovative convergence of nanotechnology, immunology, genomics, and herbal medicine, enabling precision-guided immunomodulation, targeted drug delivery, and personalized therapeutic approaches. It leverages nanotechnology's accuracy, the immune system's versatility, the profundity of genomic data, and herbal medicine's therapeutic properties to combat complex diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders more effectively, while also minimizing side effects. By integrating herbogenomics, treatments can be customized to accommodate each individual's unique genetic and physiological profiles, paving the way for a revolution in personalized medicine. However, the rise of this groundbreaking field calls for corresponding advancements in policy and regulation, emphasizing safety, efficacy, ethics, and transparency. An interdisciplinary advisory panel could guide the formulation of these regulations, ensuring a responsible application of the science. This emerging discipline, therefore, holds the potential for a significant paradigm shift towards a more holistic, individualized, and precise approach to healthcare.

A Delphi Study on Technical and Socio-Economic Perspectives of Nanotechnology and ICT Industries Relations

By using the Delphi technique and a case study on Malaysia’s nanotechnology research and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industries, this paper aims to determine the development and convergence of nanotechnology and ICT innovation systems from the perspective of science-industry relations. A total of 25 experts have provided their opinions and consensus on the present stage and possible future scenarios of nanotech-ICT development from four dimensions: technology landscape, economic viability, governance, and social acceptance. Results from two survey rounds indicate that the Malaysian ICT innovation system is presently economically viable and easily accepted by the market. The best-case scenario can be achieved with the help of nanotechnology. This would also require the implementation of policies and regulations from government. Although industrial and social adoption and the acceptance of nanotechnology are already strong, government is responsible for creating various programs to ensure greater awareness and development of knowledge.

Would the Convergence of Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Information Technology and Cognitive Science Be a Springboard for Transhumanism and Posthumanism?

Would the Convergence of Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Information Technology and Cognitive Science Be a Springboard for Transhumanism and Posthumanism?

Recent advances in nanocomposite-based delivery systems for targeted CRISPR/Cas delivery and therapeutic genetic manipulation.

CRISPR/Cas systems are novel gene editing tools with tremendous capacity and accuracy for gene editing and hold great potential for therapeutic genetic manipulation. However, the lack of safe and efficient delivery methods for CRISPR/Cas and its guide RNA hinders their wide adoption for therapeutic applications. To this end, there is an increasing demand for safe, efficient, precise, and non-pathogenic delivery approaches, both in vitro and in vivo. With the convergence of nanotechnology and biomedicine, functional nanocomposites have demonstrated unparalleled sophistication to overcome the limits of CRISPR/Cas delivery. The tunability of the physicochemical properties of nanocomposites makes it very easy to conjugate them with different functional substances. The combinatorial application of diverse functional materials in the form of nanocomposites has shown excellent properties for CRISPR/Cas delivery at the target site with therapeutic potential. The recent highlights of selective organ targeting and phase I clinical trials for gene manipulation by CRISPR/Cas after delivery through LNPs are at the brink of making it to routine clinical practice. Here we summarize the recent advances in delivering CRISPR/Cas systems through nanocomposites for targeted delivery and therapeutic genome editing.

Nanotechnology and Nanobiomaterials: Redefining Ways of Managing Oral Cancer

Nano-biotechnology can be considered as application of various nanotechnologies in the biological field. With the advent of nano-particles, a revolution has come in the scientific community. The convergence of nanotechnology and medicine recently led to an interdisciplinary field, nanomedicine, which brings together engineers, physicists, biologists, chemists, mathematicians, and physicians striving to improve detection, imaging, and drug-delivery devices. The approaches to nanomedicine range from the medical use of nanomaterials, to nanoelectronics biosensors, and even possible future applications of molecular nanotechnology. Cancer is a leading cause of mortality in the world. Cancers of the head and neck—including the salivary glands, thyroid, and the mucosal lining of the oral cavity, pharynx, nasopharynx, and larynx—account for the high percentage of malignancies of the world. At present the treatment modalities available are very limited. A multidisciplinary approach is needed, including the cooperation of biophysics experts, molecular biologists and medical practitioners, to find ways of using nano-biotechnologies for cancer management. Hence future research needs to focus on designing new strategies where nano-biomaterials and medicine can come together to find a cure.

The convergence of nanotechnology‐stem cell, nanotopography‐mechanobiology, and biotic‐abiotic interfaces: Nanoscale tools for tackling the top killer, arteriosclerosis, strokes, and heart attacks

AbstractThe nanotechnology‐stem cell has enabled the engineering of nanotopographical surfaces for mimicking the topological features of nano‐stem cell interfaces and stem cell niches. The nanotechnology‐stem cell, an abiotic–biotic model, the impact of the multi‐functional materials underlying support on nanomaterials interactions with stem cells plays a significant role in the development of the nanoscale tools for tracking the top killer, arteriosclerosis, strokes, and heart attacks. The biomimetic topographical surfaces, employed in cell mechanobiology (cell adhesions, migrations, and differentiation) and tissue engineering. The conformational features of the scaffold (ridges, grooves, whorls, pits, and pores, and symmetry) alter stem cell behavior and differentiation. Biomedical engineering is offering promises and explaining how the convergence of nanotechnology and stem cells has emerged as novel therapeutics. The analysis of mechanotransduction and tissue engineering is the key factor, which altogether influence the stem cell niche, can be considered for originating nanno‐stem cell interface, and a useful remedy for treating cardiovascular diseases. The Hippo pathway underlined the signaling cascade responsible for inhibiting cell proliferation. Notch signaling is a key pathway that regulates the modulation of cardiomyocyte survival, cardiac stem cell differentiation. The Wnt/β‐catenin signaling involved in chronic infusion of angiotensin II (Ang II), cardiomyocytes, and cardiac fibroblasts.

Inorganic Nanoparticles Applied as Functional Therapeutics

AbstractInorganic nanoparticles (NPs) offer significant advantages to the biomedical field owing to their large surface area, controllable structures, diverse surface chemistry, and unique optical and physical properties. Researchers worldwide have shown that inorganic NPs and the released metal ions can act as therapeutic agents in targeted tissues or to cure various diseases without acute toxicity. In this progress report, the recent developments in inorganic NPs with different compositions directly used as therapeutics are discussed. First, the recent convergence of nanotechnology and biotechnology in biomedical applications as well as the unique functions, features, and advantages of inorganic NPs in biomedical applications are summarized. Thereafter, the biological effects of inorganic compositions in NPs which include balancing the intracellular redox environment, regulating the specific cellular signaling and cellular behaviors, and apoptosis are explained. In addition, the emerging therapeutic applications of inorganic NPs in various diseases are exemplified. Finally, the perspectives and challenges for overcoming the weaknesses of inorganic NPs as therapeutics are discussed. By carefully considering and investigating the biological effects of inorganic NPs and metal ions released from NPs, more promising inorganic NPs based therapeutic agents can be developed.

Risk Management Framework for Nano-Biomaterials Used in Medical Devices and Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products.

The convergence of nanotechnology and biotechnology has led to substantial advancements in nano-biomaterials (NBMs) used in medical devices (MD) and advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMP). However, there are concerns that applications of NBMs for medical diagnostics, therapeutics and regenerative medicine could also pose health and/or environmental risks since the current understanding of their safety is incomplete. A scientific strategy is therefore needed to assess all risks emerging along the life cycles of these products. To address this need, an overarching risk management framework (RMF) for NBMs used in MD and ATMP is presented in this paper, as a result of a collaborative effort of a team of experts within the EU Project BIORIMA and with relevant inputs from external stakeholders. The framework, in line with current regulatory requirements, is designed according to state-of-the-art approaches to risk assessment and management of both nanomaterials and biomaterials. The collection/generation of data for NBMs safety assessment is based on innovative integrated approaches to testing and assessment (IATA). The framework can support stakeholders (e.g., manufacturers, regulators, consultants) in systematically assessing not only patient safety but also occupational (including healthcare workers) and environmental risks along the life cycle of MD and ATMP. The outputs of the framework enable the user to identify suitable safe(r)-by-design alternatives and/or risk management measures and to compare the risks of NBMs to their (clinical) benefits, based on efficacy, quality and cost criteria, in order to inform robust risk management decision-making.