Applications of Nanomaterials in Bone Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Nanobiotechnology has emerged as a promising field that holds enormous potential in modern medicine. The use of such nanosized particles for delivery of drugs, nucleic acids and fabrication of scaffolds has revolutionised the methods of tissue engineering. The in vitro and in vivo properties of nanoparticles are largely governed by their size, shape, charge and surface topography. These particles hold a great potential with respect to targeted drug delivery, antibacterial properties, ability to adhere to variety of molecules and cellular uptake, due to large surface area to volume ratio. The application of nanoparticles for bone tissue engineering has gained popularity because their small size enables them to travel through highly compact microarchitecture of bone tissue and cross the blood-bone barrier. Additionally, nanoparticles play an important role in enhancing the cellular adherence of the scaffolds used for providing support to the regenerating bone. The present chapter provides a comprehensive overview of chemically synthesised organic and inorganic nanoparticles specifically with respect to bone tissue engineering.