Plasmonic Oxygen Defects in MO3−x (M = W or Mo) Nanomaterials: Synthesis, Modifications, and Biomedical Applications

Abstract Nanomedicine is a promising technology with many advantages and provides exciting opportunities for cancer diagnosis and therapy. During recent years, the newly developed oxygen‐deficiency transition metal oxides MO 3− x (M = W or Mo) have received significant attention due to the unique optical properties, such as strong localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) , tunable and broad near‐IR absorption, high photothermal conversion efficiency, and large X‐ray attenuation coefficient. This review presents an overview of recent advances in the development of MO 3− x nanomaterials for biomedical applications. First, the fundamentals of the LSPR effect are introduced. Then, the preparation and modification methods of MO 3− x nanomaterials are summarized. In addition, the biological effects of MO 3− x nanomaterials are highlighted and their applications in the biomedical field are outlined. This includes imaging modalities, cancer treatment, and antibacterial capability. Finally, the prospects and challenges of MO 3− x and MO 3− x ‐based nanomaterial for fundamental studies and clinical applications are also discussed.