Biomedical Applications of Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles

Nanotechnology is the emerging field of science and technology that targets the design, synthesis, and characterization of nanoparticles and their wide applications in the areas of biology, medicine, and bioengineering. Currently, metal nanoparticles are extensively investigated for theranostic applications in order to treat different types of diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, antimicrobial infection, wound healing, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and others due to their exclusive fundamental properties in the nanoscale range. Very recently, magnesium oxide nanoparticles have been extensively studied for theranostic applications because of various unique characteristics including environment-friendly, non-toxic, high stability, cationic ability, and redox characteristics. Numerous reports suggest the role of magnesium oxide nanoparticles, which exhibit effective antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer properties. Magnesium oxide nanoparticles are also utilized for other applications (semiconductors, organic transformation catalysts, sorbents for contaminants in wastewater, electrochemical biosensors, photocatalysts, and refractory materials). However, very few reports have been found that focus on the role of magnesium oxide nanoparticles in healthcare sciences. Considering the several uses of magnesium oxide nanoparticles in healthcare, the current book chapter discusses the role of magnesium oxide nanoparticles used in various biomedical applications, along with their potential prospects and challenges in the upcoming years.