Applications of biochar in medical and related environmental fields: current status and future perspectives

Abstract Biochar (BC) is a stable, carbon-rich material produced through biomass pyrolysis in an oxygen-restricted environment. In recent years, BC has gained recognition as an environmentally friendly material and has been extensively researched for its various applications related to human health. However, the medical applications of biochar remain relatively unexplored. This review aims to analyze recent publications from PubMed, focusing on the direct association between biochar and medical science over the past 3 years. The analysis identified five main subjects: contaminant immobilization, medical waste treatment and nutrient recovery, biochar toxicity, electrical sensors and biosensors, and drug delivery. Among these subjects, drug delivery and biosensors demonstrated the most direct relevance to the medical field. To enhance the validity of our findings, a bibliometric analysis was performed using the Web of Science Core Collection to visualize the trends in medical applications of biochar over time. The results further support our analysis. Finally, potential directions for future medical applications of biochar were discussed. This review underscores the necessity for further research on the medical applications of biochar. By exploring its potential in drug delivery, biosensors, and other domains, biochar has the potential to revolutionize medicine. Graphical Abstract