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Review
. 2015 Aug 7:1:109-118.
doi: 10.1016/j.reth.2015.05.004. eCollection 2015 Jun.

Nanoparticle-based bioactive agent release systems for bone and cartilage tissue engineering

Nelson Monteiro  1   2 , Albino Martins  1   2 , Rui L Reis  1   2 , Nuno M Neves  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Nanoparticle-based bioactive agent release systems for bone and cartilage tissue engineering

Nelson Monteiro et al. Regen Ther. .

Abstract

The inability to deliver bioactive agents locally in a transient but sustained manner is one of the challenges on the development of bio-functionalized scaffolds for tissue engineering (TE) and regenerative medicine. The mode of release is especially relevant when the bioactive agent is a growth factor (GF), because the dose and the spatiotemporal release of such agents at the site of injury are crucial to achieve a successful outcome. Strategies that combine scaffolds and drug delivery systems have the potential to provide more effective tissue regeneration relative to current therapies. Nanoparticles (NPs) can protect the bioactive agents, control its profile, decrease the occurrence and severity of side effects and deliver the bioactive agent to the target cells maximizing its effect. Scaffolds containing NPs loaded with bioactive agents can be used for their local delivery, enabling site-specific pharmacological effects such as the induction of cell proliferation and differentiation, and, consequently, neo-tissue formation. This review aims to describe the concept of combining NPs with scaffolds, and the current efforts aiming to develop highly multi-functional bioactive agent release systems, with the emphasis on their application in TE of connective tissues.

Keywords: Bioactive agents; Delivery systems; Mesenchymal stem cells; Nanoparticles; Scaffolds.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Examples of NPs used in drug delivery. Adapted from Refs. , .
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Diagram representing the flexible tailoring of new NP formulations aiming for an intracellular delivery of therapeutic agents.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Strategy to control stem cell differentiation by tailoring the surface chemistry of electrospun nanofiber meshes.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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