Abstract
Nanotechnologists have become involved in regenerative medicine via creation of biomaterials and nanostructures with potential clinical implications. Their aim is to develop systems that can mimic, reinforce or even create in vivo tissue repair strategies. In fact, in the last decade, important advances in the field of tissue engineering, cell therapy and cell delivery have already been achieved. In this review, we will delve into the latest research advances and discuss whether cell and/or tissue repair devices are a possibility. Focusing on the application of nanotechnology in tissue engineering research, this review highlights recent advances in the application of nano-engineered scaffolds designed to replace or restore the followed tissues: (i) skin; (ii) cartilage; (iii) bone; (iv) nerve; and (v) cardiac.
Highlights
The populations of developed countries are rapidly aging, causing an increment in age-related diseases like osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, or Parkinson’s disease
Three-dimensional chitosan nanofibers were implanted in mice to cover full-thickness skin wounds and were able to induce a faster regeneration of both the epidermis and dermis compartments when compared to other structures such as sponges [28]
Combination of PVA-PCL electrospun nanofiber scaffolds with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) showed improvement on tissue healing compared with those which received cell-free scaffolds, suggesting their potential as a suitable graft for articular cartilage reconstruction [40]. Another strategy for cartilage tissue engineering is to induce chondrogenic differentiation of adult stem cells by the delivery of growth factors included in nanoparticles that are embedded into the scaffolds
Summary
The populations of developed countries are rapidly aging, causing an increment in age-related diseases like osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, or Parkinson’s disease. Tissue engineering, which is an alternative option for organ transplantation, is currently demonstrating great promise with first-in-man successful stories of tissue engineered implants [1] This interdisciplinary science has as ultimate goal to design artifacts that (i) mimic natural tissues characteristics; (ii) fill up a space until the damage tissue is regenerated; (iii) temporarily replace tissue functions and; (iv) serve as a guide for tissue ingrowths. Examples of natural scaffolds that have been applied clinically include decellularized dermis to treat burn injuries, as well as decellularized small intestine, ureter, or xenogeneic vessels to restore vascular function [3,4] These materials have shown promising results in tissue repair, they have some drawbacks regarding mechanical properties, degradation, immunogenicity and cross-contamination. This review provides an overview of the progress of nanotectnology application in tissue engineering research, highlighting recent advances in the application of nano-engineered scaffolds designed to replace or restore tissues like (i) skin; (ii) cartilage; (iii) bone; (iv) nerve; and (v) cardiac
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