Multi-functional Lipid-Based Polymer Composites for In Vivo Imaging, Tissue Healing, Cell Rejuvenation and Theranostic Applications

Abstract

Since 1960s, lipids are broadly explored as fundamental models to understand and study the cell membranes, as carriers for delivering and protecting bioactive agents. Lipids and lipid-based polymer composites have been utilized in various fields of research including imaging, diagnosis, cosmetics, vaccines, drug delivery and tissue engineering. This provides a strategy that involves the application of specified cell types and structured scaffold biomaterials to produce living biological structures. To develop a new tissue, well-controlled stimulation of cultured cells is required through organized combination of mechanical signals and bioactive agents. In this chapter, we highlight the potential use of lipid and lipid-based biopolymer composites as a platform for the in vivo imaging, tissue engineering, cell rejuvenation and theranostic applications.