Biomedical Applications of Gadolinium-Containing Biomaterials: Not Only MRI Contrast Agent

Abstract

The potential applications of rare earth elements (REEs) in biomedical fields have been intensively investigated. Numerous studies have shown that doping biomaterials with REEs can enhance their properties. Gadolinium (Gd) is a biocompatible REE that holds promise in biomedical applications. This review examines the use of Gd-doped biomaterials in osteogenic, antimicrobial, anticancer applications, and in bioimaging and bioprobes, as reported in the literature until December 2024. The included studies demonstrate that Gd-containing biomaterials promote osteogenesis, enhance antimicrobial properties, and perform well in anticancer applications and bioimaging. Taken together, they point to the considerable potential of Gd-doped biomaterials and thus to avenues for future research.