WO₃ nanoparticles: Synthesis and recent advances in their applications for radiotherapy and radioprotection

Abstract

Tungsten oxide (WO₃) nanoparticles have attracted significant interest in radiotherapy and radioprotection due to their remarkable physicochemical properties, including high density, strong photon absorption, and easily functionalizable surfaces. This review provides an updated overview of WO₃ nanoparticle synthesis methods and recent advances in their biomedical applications. In oncology, WO₃ nanoparticles act as radiosensitizers by locally enhancing the effects of ionizing radiation within tumors, promoting the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and disrupting DNA repair mechanisms, thereby increasing cytotoxicity towards cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. In radioprotection, WO₃ nanoparticles embedded in polymer matrices offer a promising alternative to traditional shielding materials such as lead, enabling the development of lighter, less toxic composites with high X-ray and gamma-ray attenuation. This review discusses the principal synthetic approaches for WO₃ nanoparticle fabrication, emphasizing reaction mechanisms, advantages, limitations, and critical parameters affecting nanoparticle size, morphology, and purity. Overall, this study highlights the potential of WO₃ nanoparticles to drive future innovations at the intersection of nanotechnology and biomedicine, combining technological performance with enhanced safety profiles.