Encapsulation of bioactive compunds: Role of nanotechnology

Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, one of the most exciting and emerging fields in the last decade, aim to maintain, restore, or improve tissues and thus organ functions. Nanomaterials have attracted unprecedented interest to be applied for such purposes owing to their particular features including biocompatibility, mechanical, optical, electrical, magnetic, and catalytic characteristics compared to conventional systems. Nanomaterials have been proved as promising candidates to serve as a carrier system for delivery of growth factors, genes cytokines, etc. to control properties of the scaffolds and also to provide contrast for cell imaging. These nanosystems can be made of polymeric, lipid, or inorganic materials. In this review paper, the different types of nanomaterials used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine along with their applications will be covered and discussed.