Osmium-based materials: emerging properties for biomedical applications

Osmium (Os), with its unique isotopic system, holds a pivotal role in unraveling the origins of the solar system and the processes of planetary formation. Although discovered in the 19th century, Os remained primarily overlooked for many years. With the advancement of scientific research, Os-based materials have emerged as players, particularly in biomedical applications, attracting growing attention for their potential in cancer therapy, bioimaging, biosensing, etc. This review explores the synthesis, characterization, properties, toxicity, and enzyme-like activity of osmium-based materials, highlighting their diverse biomedical applications. Notably, the rapid evolution of nanotechnology has catalyzed the development of nanozymes—nanomaterials that mimic natural enzyme activity—ushering in the rise of Os-based nanozymes. Moving forward, future research will focus on refining the synthesis processes of Os-based materials, improving their biocompatibility, and addressing safety concerns in complex pathological environments, unlocking even more tremendous potential in biomedical applications. More significantly, Os-based materials may also play a key role in interstellar exploration, offering crucial support in catalytic reactions and life support systems.