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Application of Nanotechnology in Regenerative Medicine

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Nanoscience".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 July 2024 | Viewed by 4625

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
Interests: nanomaterials; nanoparticles formulation and characterization; drug delivery; cell culture; tissue engineering; biomaterilas; molecular biology; biological barriers
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

According to Greenwood and co-workers “regenerative medicine is an emerging interdisciplinary field of research and clinical applications focused on the repair, replacement or regeneration of cells, tissues or organs to restore impaired function resulting from any cause, including congenital defects, disease, trauma and aging. It uses a combination of several technological approaches that moves it beyond traditional transplantation and replacement therapies.” Nanotechnology ranks high among these approaches, and especially in the last two decades, its application in regenerative medicine has enormously advanced and proved to be crucial for the development of new materials able to restore and support damaged tissues and organs. Through nanotechnology, it is now possible to design engineered nanostructures able to mimic tissue-specific bio-environments. Among them, engineered nanoscaffolds of a particular biochemical can be enriched, and the mechanical and electrical properties able to improve cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. Moreover, biomolecule-loaded nanostructures may control the sustained release of active compounds, thus improving treatment effectiveness and patient compliance. The application of nanoconstructs can often help avoid surgery, while accelerating healing, limiting side effects and overcoming the problem of organ donor shortage.

In this scenario, the present Special Issue is aimed at illustrating the great contribution of nanotechnology in regenerative medicine, presenting novel approaches and tools to support tissue and organ repair.

We invite researchers of all the relevant fields (chemistry, physics, biology, biotechnology, medicine, pharmacology, engineering) to present their results and commentaries by contributing original research articles or review papers.  

Dr. Flavia Carton
Prof. Manuela Malatesta
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • nanotechnology
  • regenerative medicine
  • nanomaterials
  • biomanufacturing
  • nanoscaffolds
  • tissue engineering
  • drug delivery
  • three-dimensional printing

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Review

16 pages, 8457 KiB  
Review
Nanotechnological Research for Regenerative Medicine: The Role of Hyaluronic Acid
by Flavia Carton and Manuela Malatesta
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(7), 3975; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25073975 - 03 Apr 2024
Viewed by 506
Abstract
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a linear, anionic, non-sulfated glycosaminoglycan occurring in almost all body tissues and fluids of vertebrates including humans. It is a main component of the extracellular matrix and, thanks to its high water-holding capacity, plays a major role in tissue [...] Read more.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a linear, anionic, non-sulfated glycosaminoglycan occurring in almost all body tissues and fluids of vertebrates including humans. It is a main component of the extracellular matrix and, thanks to its high water-holding capacity, plays a major role in tissue hydration and osmotic pressure maintenance, but it is also involved in cell proliferation, differentiation and migration, inflammation, immunomodulation, and angiogenesis. Based on multiple physiological effects on tissue repair and reconstruction processes, HA has found extensive application in regenerative medicine. In recent years, nanotechnological research has been applied to HA in order to improve its regenerative potential, developing nanomedical formulations containing HA as the main component of multifunctional hydrogels systems, or as core component or coating/functionalizing element of nanoconstructs. This review offers an overview of the various uses of HA in regenerative medicine aimed at designing innovative nanostructured devices to be applied in various fields such as orthopedics, dermatology, and neurology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanotechnology in Regenerative Medicine)
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38 pages, 1827 KiB  
Review
Magnesium Alloys in Orthopedics: A Systematic Review on Approaches, Coatings and Strategies to Improve Biocompatibility, Osteogenic Properties and Osteointegration Capabilities
by Gianluca Giavaresi, Daniele Bellavia, Angela De Luca, Viviana Costa, Lavinia Raimondi, Aurora Cordaro, Maria Sartori, Silvio Terrando, Angelo Toscano, Giovanni Pignatti and Milena Fini
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(1), 282; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25010282 - 24 Dec 2023
Viewed by 713
Abstract
There is increasing interest in using magnesium (Mg) alloy orthopedic devices because of their mechanical properties and bioresorption potential. Concerns related to their rapid degradation have been issued by developing biodegradable micro- and nanostructured coatings to enhance corrosion resistance and limit the release [...] Read more.
There is increasing interest in using magnesium (Mg) alloy orthopedic devices because of their mechanical properties and bioresorption potential. Concerns related to their rapid degradation have been issued by developing biodegradable micro- and nanostructured coatings to enhance corrosion resistance and limit the release of hydrogen during degradation. This systematic review based on four databases (PubMed®, Embase, Web of Science™ and ScienceDirect®) aims to present state-of-the-art strategies, approaches and materials used to address the critical factors currently impeding the utilization of Mg alloy devices. Forty studies were selected according to PRISMA guidelines and specific PECO criteria. Risk of bias assessment was conducted using OHAT and SYRCLE tools for in vitro and in vivo studies, respectively. Despite limitations associated with identified bias, the review provides a comprehensive analysis of preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies focused on manufacturing and application of Mg alloys in orthopedics. This attests to the continuous evolution of research related to Mg alloy modifications (e.g., AZ91, LAE442 and WE43) and micro- and nanocoatings (e.g., MAO and MgF2), which are developed to improve the degradation rate required for long-term mechanical resistance to loading and excellent osseointegration with bone tissue, thereby promoting functional bone regeneration. Further research is required to deeply verify the safety and efficacy of Mg alloys. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanotechnology in Regenerative Medicine)
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39 pages, 2667 KiB  
Review
Biomedical Approach of Nanotechnology and Biological Risks: A Mini-Review
by Debora F. Silva, Ailime L. P. Melo, Ana F. C. Uchôa, Graziela M. A. Pereira, Alisson E. F. Alves, Maria C. Vasconcellos, Francisco H. Xavier-Júnior and Marcele F. Passos
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(23), 16719; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242316719 - 24 Nov 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1857
Abstract
Nanotechnology has played a prominent role in biomedical engineering, offering innovative approaches to numerous treatments. Notable advances have been observed in the development of medical devices, contributing to the advancement of modern medicine. This article briefly discusses key applications of nanotechnology in tissue [...] Read more.
Nanotechnology has played a prominent role in biomedical engineering, offering innovative approaches to numerous treatments. Notable advances have been observed in the development of medical devices, contributing to the advancement of modern medicine. This article briefly discusses key applications of nanotechnology in tissue engineering, controlled drug release systems, biosensors and monitoring, and imaging and diagnosis. The particular emphasis on this theme will result in a better understanding, selection, and technical approach to nanomaterials for biomedical purposes, including biological risks, security, and biocompatibility criteria. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanotechnology in Regenerative Medicine)
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22 pages, 1930 KiB  
Review
Effectiveness of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Evolution Using In Vivo and In Vitro Studies: A Systematic Review
by Cristian Sandoval, Carolina Reyes, Pamela Rosas, Karina Godoy, Vanessa Souza-Mello and Jorge Farías
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(21), 15728; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242115728 - 29 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1067
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) describes a spectrum of liver abnormalities, from benign steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Because of their antioxidant capabilities, CeNPs have sparked a lot of interest in biological applications. This review evaluated the effectiveness of CeNPs in NAFLD evolution [...] Read more.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) describes a spectrum of liver abnormalities, from benign steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Because of their antioxidant capabilities, CeNPs have sparked a lot of interest in biological applications. This review evaluated the effectiveness of CeNPs in NAFLD evolution through in vivo and in vitro studies. Databases such as MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science were looked for studies published between 2012 and June 2023. Quality was evaluated using PRISMA guidelines. We looked at a total of nine primary studies in English carried out using healthy participants or HepG2 or LX2 cells. Quantitative data such as blood chemical markers, lipid peroxidation, and oxidative status were obtained from the studies. Our findings indicate that NPs are a possible option to make medications safer and more effective. In fact, CeNPs have been demonstrated to decrease total saturated fatty acids and foam cell production (steatosis), reactive oxygen species production and TNF-α (necrosis), and vacuolization in hepatic tissue when used to treat NAFLD. Thus, CeNP treatment may be considered promising for liver illnesses. However, limitations such as the variation in durations between studies and the utilization of diverse models to elucidate the etiology of NAFLD must be considered. Future studies must include standardized NAFLD models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanotechnology in Regenerative Medicine)
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