Nanotechnology in Plastic Surgery

Abstract

Nanotechnology may likely lead to advancements in the art and science of plastic surgery. Using microelectromechanical systems nanotechnology, the authors have demonstrated a novel means of modulating the activation of nerve impulses. These findings have potentially significant implications for the design of special nano-enhanced materials that can be used to promote healing, control infection, restore function, and aid nerve regeneration and rehabilitation.

Nanomedicine and nanoparticle-based delivery systems in plastic and reconstructive surgery

“…This shifts the focus of regeneration in grafting to what is occurring at the cellular and molecular level, as opposed to only the larger spatial defect [ 1 ]. In infection control, controlled-release wound dressings for the treatment of wounds have been designed through the electrospinning of nanomaterials [ 20 , 21 ]. In transplant science, nanoparticle coatings with similar structures or biochemical properties as the host cells/tissues, or the same properties as implantable immunosuppressant delivery, can reduce graft rejection [ 22 , 23 ].…”

“…Nanoparticles can make highly selective chemotherapeutic treatment possible by targeting tumors based on their cell surface receptors [ 21 ]. In a study by Chen et al [ 25 ], anisamide-targeted nanoparticles were used to systemically deliver c-Myc siRNA into the cytoplasm of B16F10 murine melanoma cells.…”

“…Nanoparticles can also be used as antimicrobial drug-delivery systems. Therapeutically active controlled-release wound dressings for the treatment of wounds and skin infections from surgery can be created with anesthetics, antimicrobial compounds, anti-inflammatory agents, plasmids, growth factors, proteins, silver particles, and even bacteria and viruses embedded within synthesized long nanofibers through the process of electrospinning [ 20 , 21 ]. Zhou et al [ 48 ] demonstrated that electrospun wound dressings made from a combination of water-soluble carboxyethyl chitosan and poly-vinyl alcohol showed no toxicity when evaluated in vitro with a mouse fibroblast L929 cell line and even stimulated cell attachment and proliferation.…”

Nanotechnology and regenerative therapeutics in plastic surgery: The next frontier

“…This can be achieved by a technique known as electrospinning, which creates long nanofibres with anaesthetics, antimicrobial compounds and anti-inflammatories embedded within them. 24 Heunis and Dicks demonstrated the use of nanofibres to create materials with huge densities of growth factors, bacteriocins and antibiotics embedded within the structure. 25 …”

Nerve Regeneration and Bioengineering

“…Recent advances in nanotechnology [89,90] and tissue engineering [47,91,92] have offered the most effective approach to repair neural defects as a broad range of applications in regenerative À Easy to harvest and expansion in culture À Nonimmunogenic À Relatively small amount of BMSCs obtained from primary cultures À High donor-dependent variations in quality À Painful invasive intervention À Short half-life ADSCs [70] À Participation in the myelination of regenerated axons À Requirement of minimally invasive approaches to harvest cells À Ability to promote motor neurite outgrowth in vitro À Nonimmunogenic À Further evaluation is required to investigate the fate of transplanted cells À Clarify the mechanism of their influence on nerve regeneration Recent advances in nanotechnology [89,90] and tissue engineering [47,91,92] have offered the most effective approach to repair neural defects as a broad range of applications in regenerative À Easy to harvest and expansion in culture À Nonimmunogenic À Relatively small amount of BMSCs obtained from primary cultures À High donor-dependent variations in quality À Painful invasive intervention À Short half-life ADSCs [70] À Participation in the myelination of regenerated axons À Requirement of minimally invasive approaches to harvest cells À Ability to promote motor neurite outgrowth in vitro À Nonimmunogenic À Further evaluation is required to investigate the fate of transplanted cells À Clarify the mechanism of their influence on nerve regeneration…”