Inflammation plays an important role in the response to danger signals arising from damage to our body and in restoring homeostasis. Dysregulated inflammatory responses occur in many diseases, including cancer, sepsis and autoimmunity. The efficacy of anti-inflammatory drugs, developed for the treatment of dysregulated inflammation, can be potentiated using biomaterials, by improving the bioavailability of drugs and by reducing side effects. In this Review, we first outline key elements and stages of the inflammatory environment and then discuss the design of biomaterials for different anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategies. Biomaterials can be engineered to scavenge danger signals, such as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and cell-free DNA, in the early stages of inflammation. Materials can also be designed to prevent adhesive interactions of leukocytes and endothelial cells that initiate inflammatory responses. Furthermore, nanoscale platforms can deliver anti-inflammatory agents to inflammation sites. We conclude by discussing the challenges and opportunities for biomaterial innovations in addressing inflammation.

炎症在对因身体受损而产生的危险信号做出反应以及恢复体内平衡方面发挥着重要作用。炎症反应失调发生在许多疾病中，包括癌症、败血症和自身免疫性疾病。为治疗失调的炎症而开发的抗炎药物的功效可以通过使用生物材料、提高药物的生物利用度和减少副作用来增强。在这篇综述中，我们首先概述了炎症环境的关键要素和阶段，然后讨论了不同抗炎治疗策略的生物材料的设计。生物材料可以被设计为在炎症的早期阶段清除危险信号，例如活性氧和氮以及游离DNA。材料还可以设计成防止白细胞和内皮细胞之间引发炎症反应的粘附相互作用。此外，纳米级平台可以将抗炎剂输送到炎症部位。最后，我们讨论了生物材料创新在解决炎症方面面临的挑战和机遇。