Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
significantly different between BMNCs alone and LA+BMNC groups (Fig.
17.10B).
Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that NS+BMNC markedly pre-
vented hind limb necrosis. NS+BMNC revealed much higher induction of
angiogenesis in ischemic tissues and collateral blood flow, confirmed by 3D
computed tomography angiography, than those of BMNC or LA+BMNC
groups (Mima et al., 2012). NS-enhanced therapeutic angiogenesis and
arteriogenesis showed good correlations with increased intramuscular levels
of vascular endothelial growth factor and fibroblast growth factor-2. NS co-
implantation also prevented apoptotic cell death of transplanted cells,
resulting in prolonged cell retention.
This nano-scaffold provides a promising local environment for implanted
cells with regard to the effects on angiogenesis and arteriogenesis through
cell clustering, augmented expression of proangiogenic factors, and
supporting cell survival without gene manipulation or artificial ECM.
17.7 Conclusions
The synthetic biopolymer-based nanocomposites reviewed in this chapter
are particularly attractive as tissue engineering scaffolds due to their
biocompatibility and adjustable biodegradation kinetics. Conventional
materials processing methods have been adapted through incorporation of
inorganic nanoparticles into porous and interconnected 3D porous
scaffolds. The incorporation of nanoparticles and the immobilization of
biological components on the surface to enhance cellular adhesion and
proliferation show promise and the methodology is currently under
research. Current research is focused on the interaction between stromal
cells and biopolymer interfaces. Synthetic biopolymer-based nanocomposite
scaffolds with bioactive inorganic phases will be highly important, together
with stem cell seeding.
The new approach of biopolymer-based nanocomposites enables the
scaffold surface to mimic complex local biological functions and may lead in
the future to in-vitro and in-vivo growth of tissues and organs.
Bioceramic entities have been used for bone tissue engineering scaffolds
and drug delivery (Dvir et al., 2011; Rahaman et al., 2011; Wu et al., 2008).
Osteomyelitis is a common medical condition related to bones. Caused by
inflammation, it leads to bone destruction caused by infective microorgan-
isms and bone tissue regeneration is required (Gristina et al., 1985).
Although bioceramic scaffolds serve the purpose of tissue regeneration and
drug release, they present formidable limitations such as a lack of
information relating to long-term effects in the body. Bioceramics, especially
HA, when resorbed into biological systems over the long term result in
secondary fixation (70% remains in dogs after 4 months and 90% remains in