Nanobiotechnology in Bone Tissue Engineering Applications: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Bone regeneration and repair are complex processes with the potential of added complications, like delayed repair, fracture non-union, and post-surgical infections. These conditions remain a challenge globally, pressurizing the economy and patients suffering from these conditions. Applications of nanotechnology (NBT) in the field of medicine have provided a medium for several approaches to support these global challenges. Tissue engineering is one such field that has been on the rise in the last three decades through the utilization of NBT for addressing the challenges related to bone regeneration. First, NBT enables the formation of scaffolds at the nanoscale needed for bone tissue engineering (BTE) using natural and synthetic polymers, as well as with minerals and metals. Then, it aids the development of the nano-formulation strategized to deliver antimicrobial drugs and/or growth factors through various ways to enhance bone repair through the scaffold. Third, NBT facilitates the use of specialized nanoparticles to image and track cellular events in vitro as well as in vivo. This review is an effort to bring together the current knowledge in the field of BTE and present the scope of ever-evolving NBT, a contribution towards precision medicine.

Bone Tissue Engineering and Nanotechnology: A Promising Combination for Bone Regeneration

“…For this reason, great attention has been paid to nanotechnologies, thanks to the possibility of generating nanoengineered particles to improve the properties of the scaffold, such as mechanical strength and controlled release of growth factors [11,12]. NPs obtained from various types of materials such as ceramics, metals, and natural and synthetic polymers have been widely investigated as possible candidates for BTE due to their high penetrating ability and surface area, mechanical strength enhancement, improved cell adhesion, differentiation, and growth, enhanced antibacterial properties, and biocompatibility [13].…”