Advanced application of metal nanoparticles in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex autoimmune inflammatory disorder characterized by the deterioration of cartilage and bone, leading to joint damage and increased mortality rates. Although current pharmacological treatments for RA have proven effective, considerable challenges remain, such as the need for high dosages, frequent administration, and a high incidence of severe side effects. This highlights the urgent need to improve therapeutic strategies for RA. In recent decades, nanotechnology has emerged as a promising avenue for treatment, demonstrating considerable progress in RA management. Among various nanomaterials, metal nanoparticles (MNPs) have achieved considerable advancements in both the diagnosis and treatment of RA. It is important to highlight that atomically accurate metal nanoclusters (MNCs), which are a type of MNPs characterized by their exact structure and ultrasmall size (< 3 nm), have shown promise in the management of RA in recent years. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the latest research advancements concerning the use of MNCs and MNPs in the diagnosis and treatment of RA, detailing their design principles, synthesis strategies, and therapeutic mechanisms. Furthermore, it discusses future prospects and potential directions for the application of MNCs and MNPs in RA management.