Nanotechnology in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine

Nanotechnology has advanced to unparalleled heights in biomaterials science. With the clear advantage of utilizing nanotechnology based systems compared to macroscale systems, such as targeted drug delivery, triggered drug delivery, multiple payloads in nanocarriers and immune system compliance, researchers in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have utilized these to a great extent. Furthermore, with the understanding that nanoscale structures, such as nanofibers, surface topographies and other biomaterial surface features could directly alter the cellular responses, researchers are trying extensively to take advantage of these and bio mimic nature as close as possible to enhance tissue regeneration. The technical advancements in the production of these nanoscale features on a large scale, such as photolithography, has enabled researchers to incorporate these into the existing biomaterials and push forward the bench-to-bedside applications for improving the outcomes of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Furthermore, with the evolution of various gel systems, magnetic nanoparticle controllable systems and also the spheroid and organoid cultures, the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine is rapidly expanding. This brief review gives a short and basic overview about the various nanotechnological approaches that are being explored and utilized to enhance tissue regeneration.