<p>Owing to their unique biological effects and physicochemical properties, nanomaterials have garnered substantial attention in the field of bone tissue engineering (BTE), targeting the repair and restoration of impaired bone tissue. In recent years, strategies for the design and optimization of nanomaterials through thiolation modification have been widely applied in BTE. This review concisely summarizes the categories of nanomaterials commonly used in BTE and focuses on various strategies for the modification of nanomaterials via thiolation. A multifaceted analysis of the mechanisms by which thiolated nanomaterials enhance nanomaterial–cell interactions, promote drug loading and release, and modulate osteogenic differentiation is presented. Furthermore, this review introduces biomedical applications of thiolated nanomaterials in BTE, including as scaffold components for bone regeneration, coatings for bone implants, and drug delivery systems. Finally, the future perspectives and challenges in the development of this field are discussed. Thiolation modification strategies provide a platform for developing new ideas and methods for designing nanomaterials for BTE and are expected to accelerate the development and clinical translation of novel bone repair materials.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>