Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
of cells loaded with gold nanoparticles has been shown to be dependent
on nanoparticle size and shape, cell type, and extracellular environment.
360,361
In summary, these studies demonstrate that decreased nanoparticle loading over
time could be attributed to cell division or exocytosis of the nanoparticles by the
cells. A better understanding of the process of neovascularization, and the extent
to which MSCs participate in this process, can potentially lead to the develop-
ment of better therapies and therapeutics, and specifically therapies involving
MSCs, for cell and ultimately for tissue repair.
6.7 CONCLUSION
The applications of nanomaterials as components or as additives for various
medical devices have led to improved biocompatibility and functionality as
nanorobots, novel nanochips, and nanoimplants serving as tissue substitutes,
tissue regeneration, prostheses, tissue engineering, and cell repair. Nanosurgery
is expected to bring a revolutionary change in terms of neighboring tissue/cell
damage during surgery. Nanorobots bring hope to early diagnosis and targeted
drug delivery for early cancer treatment. Improvements in implants can reduce
cost and provide ease of use to patients while minimizing swelling, toxicity, and
other side effects. Many different kinds of nanomaterials are currently being
developed for various nanochips, nanoimplants, and even for stem cell regen-
eration. These various applications of nanomedical devices hold promise for
better diagnosis and improved therapeutics that ultimately benefit the quality
of life for humans. Although majority of these applications of nanomaterials
in medicine are still in the laboratory, a few are already in full blast clinical
use. Many more prototypes and more research are necessary to harness the full
potential of NMs as medical devices.
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