Nanomaterials and Nanocomposites for Regenerative Medicine

The unique physicochemical properties of nanomaterials have given them a special position in medical field for serving several specific needs like antimicrobial treatment and cancer diagnostics and therapy. Nanostructures are applied in biosensing and in vitro diagnostics, tissue engineering scaffolds, and drug delivery systems. Apart from these uses, their capacity to interact with biological systems at the molecular level has opened up immense scope in Regenerative Medicine. This chapter explores the potential role of nanobiomaterials in tissue healing and regeneration. In the initial sections, the current applications of nanomaterials in medicine are revisited. Thereafter, the concept and classification of nanobiomaterials are detailed. They are broadly classified as nanobioceramics, metallic nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, and biological nanoparticles. The structural forms such as particulate, fiber, and composite decide their performance in different applications. The synthesis and processing of nanobiomaterials and the different forms are discussed in a separate session, which include conventional nanoparticle synthesis, preparation of composites, making tissue engineering scaffolds, and functionalization. The next section is dedicated for the different applications of nanobiomaterials in regenerative medicine—mainly the regeneration of cartilage, skin, bone, and neural and vascular tissues. The current trends and challenges in this field are also reviewed. Despite the promising transition from proof-of-concept to preclinical models and clinical trials, the market presence of the regenerative products based on nanobiomaterials is limited at present. The impeding factors in translation, including toxicity risks, standardization challenges, and the complexities of large-scale manufacturing, are discussed. The analysis concludes by emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and robust regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe and effective clinical implementation of regenerative approaches and nanotherapeutics, making use of nanobiomaterials and nanocomposites.