Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
17
Synthetic biopolymer/layered silicate
nanocomposites for tissue engineering
scaffolds
M. OKAMOTO , Toyota Technological Institute, Japan
Abstract: Current research trends on nanocomposite materials for tissue
engineering, including strategies for the fabrication of nanocomposite
scaffolds with highly porous and interconnected pores, are presented.
The results of in-vitro cell culture, used to analyzed the cell-scaffold
interaction considering the colonization of mesenchymal stem cells and
degradation of the scaffolds in-vitro, are also discussed.
Key words: biopolymer, tissue engineering scaffolds, mesenchymal stem
cell, nanoparticles.
17.1
Introduction
Since the industrial revolution, and particularly after World War II,
materials research has increased rapidly, and has resulted in the widespread
use of materials such as polymers, metals, semiconductors and agricultural
chemicals (e.g. pesticides and fertilizers). The production of these materials
in increasing quantities to meet the demands of a growing population has
led to the significant consumption of fossil fuels and production of waste.
Together, these have resulted in regional and global environmental
problems ranging from air, water and soil pollution to climate change.
These problems limit the extent to which such materials can be used and call
for a re-thinking of their design, synthesis and production.
Natural materials not only provide a point of comparison with the
performance of man-made materials but also a clue to the development of
new materials that are both more environmentally sustainable and
functional. Biopolymers are a well-known example of renewable, envir-
