1 - Biodegradable polymer matrix nanocomposites for bone tissue engineering

Abstract

The prevalence of bone disorder is continually increasing worldwide. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicines are being used in research as an alternative for tissue transplantation. The resources mainly used in tissue engineering are cell, scaffold, and some growth factors. From mid-20th century, the degradable polymers are used on a large scale and, its first use being as resorbing sutures in vivo. The use of biodegradable polymer-based biomaterials promotes the growth and/or repair of cells and tissues in an organized way by giving it structural support and biological containment. The natural polymers like chitosan, starch, alginate, collagen, gelatin, hyaluronic acid, etc., are being used in bone tissue engineering as they have the capability to adapt to the application site. The synthetic polymers like poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(lactic-co-glycolide) (PLGA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF), etc., are also being used in bone tissue regeneration. In recent years, a variety of nanocomposites made of biodegradable polymers are being explored and exploited for the use in tissue engineering applications. Even, these biodegradable polymer matrix nanocomposites have been found effective for tissue generation in the field of bone tissue engineering.