Structural and temporal dynamics of nano-based therapies in ulcerative colitis: history, hotspots, and emerging trends

Background Nanomaterial-based therapies have emerged as a promising approach for ulcerative colitis (UC). To systematically map the field, we performed a bibliometric analysis of research over the past 25 years, aiming to reveal knowledge evolution, core themes, and emerging trends. Methods We searched the Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus for English-language publications (2001–2025) using the keywords “nanomaterials” and “ulcerative colitis” including original articles and reviews. After deduplication, 1,316 publications were analyzed using CiteSpace, HistCite, and R to construct collaboration networks, keyword co-occurrence maps, co-citation networks, and thematic evolution analyses. Results UC-focused nanotherapeutics show sustained growth and increasing international collaboration, with China as the leading contributor. Analysis identified 57 subject categories, 537 keywords, and 899 publications with citation bursts. Five emerging themes were highlighted: gut microbiota, reactive oxygen species, NLRP3 inflammasome, drug delivery systems, and polymeric nanoparticles. Nanotechnology is increasingly integrated into UC pathogenesis studies, with a shift from passive drug delivery toward intelligent, mechanism-driven, and combination therapies. Co-citation analysis identified seven core areas, including inflammation regulation, targeted delivery, immune modulation, hydrogel carriers, and nanotherapeutics. Conclusion This study maps the evolving landscape of UC nanotherapeutics, highlighting the field’s shift toward precise, intelligent, and mechanism-guided strategies. Future research should emphasize nanodesign, safety evaluation, and personalized therapies, facilitating translational innovation.