WS.V

NANOMATERIALS and NANODEVICES for THERANOSTICS, NEUROTECHNOLOGY and REGENERATIVE MEDICINE

18 September

WORKSHOP COMMITTEE: 

Andrea CAPASSO, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Portugal
Mattia BRAMINI, University of Granada (UGR), Spain

Nanotechnology is playing a pivotal role in advancing biomedical engineering, offering tools for precision therapy, real-time diagnostics, and bioelectronic integration. Engineered nanomaterials—including nanoparticles, 2D systems, carbon-based structures, and composite biomaterials—are enabling new generations of drug and gene delivery systems, implantable devices, and multifunctional theranostic platforms. These materials are increasingly being tailored for specific biomedical tasks, from targeting cancer cells and monitoring biomarkers to supporting tissue regeneration and interfacing with neural circuits. Their unique physicochemical and functional properties, combined with progress in fabrication and functionalization methods, are expanding their use across diverse therapeutic and diagnostic fields.
A critical focus of this symposium is the interaction between these nanomaterials and biological systems, which remains a key challenge for clinical translation. Understanding how materials degrade, distribute, and persist in vivo is essential for ensuring safety and efficacy. This includes addressing issues such as immunogenicity, cytotoxicity, and long-term biocompatibility. Material properties must be finely tuned to balance therapeutic function with biological compatibility, particularly for applications involving the nervous system, where interfaces are delicate and highly sensitive. The performance of nanomaterials in regenerative scaffolds, soft implants, and neural environments depends on their ability to integrate without disrupting physiological processes.
The symposium will explore the development and application of nanomaterials and nanodevices for use in drug delivery, cancer theranostics, regenerative medicine, neuromorphic engineering, and biointerfaces. Emphasis will be placed on smart nanocomposites, biomimetic platforms, and 2D materials for tissue-specific applications and real-time interaction with biological signals. Topics will include artificial synapses, brain-computer interfaces, neuroregeneration, photoresponsive therapies, and scaffold-assisted healing. The symposium will bring together research that bridges nanotechnology, materials science, neuroscience, and translational medicine, with a focus on designing safe, high-performance systems for integration into complex biological contexts.

The main topics covered in the symposium will be:
● Biocompatible nanomaterials and 2D materials, including fabrication processes and characterization
● Functionalization techniques and surface engineering of nanomaterials
● Nanotoxicology, immunogenicity, and biocompatibility studies
● Long-term stability, biodegradation, and excretion of nanomaterials in vivo
● Smart nanocomposites and responsive materials for theranostic applications
● Bio-inspired and biomimetic strategies for cancer cell targeting and selective delivery
● Drug and gene delivery platforms using nanocarriers and hybrid systems
● Photothermal and photodynamic therapy using nanomaterial-based systems
● Real-time biosensing and biomarker monitoring for personalized medicine
● Nanostructured biomaterials for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering
● Neuroprotection, neuroregeneration, and delivery strategies across the blood-brain barrier
● Multifunctional nanoplatforms for interfacing with neuronal networks
● Nanomaterials for neuromorphic applications, including memristive and synaptic devices
● Brain-computer interfaces and hybrid bioelectronic systems
● Implantable and wearable nanodevices for neural monitoring and stimulation

This session will focus on nanomaterials and composite scaffolds engineered for tissue regeneration, tumor targeting, and delivery across complex biological barriers. Discussions will include material–cell interactions, in vitro and in vivo models, and translational strategies in cellular regeneration and oncology. Specific attention will be given to nanocarrier engineering, scaffold integration, and the challenges of systemic delivery and biodistribution.

This session will explore the development of smart and functional nanomaterials for advanced drug and gene delivery, biosensing, and phototherapeutic strategies. Talks will cover biomimetic nanoparticles, hybrid platforms, and responsive nanostructures designed for selective disease targeting and real-time diagnostic integration. Emphasis will be placed on material design, functionalization, and in vivo behavior, highlighting applications in cancer therapy, immune modulation, and personalized nanomedicine. 

This session will highlight recent progress in neuromorphic hardware and intelligent interfaces enabled by nanoscale materials. Topics will include artificial synapses, memristive systems, brain–computer interfaces, and hybrid platforms for bioelectronic control and cognitive computing. Emphasis will be placed on functional materials for signal processing, adaptive computation, and soft integration with neural tissue.