Bioinspired Polymeric Nanocomposites for Regenerative Medicine

• Published in: Macromolecular chemistry and physics Vol. 216; no. 3; pp. 248 - 264
• Main Authors: Carrow, James K., Gaharwar, Akhilesh K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.02.2015; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Architecture; bioinspired structures; Composite structures; hydrogels; Nanocomposites; Nanomaterials; Nanostructure; polymeric nanocomposites; Polymers; Strategy; tissue engineering; Trends
• ISSN: 1022-1352; 1521-3935
• DOI: 10.1002/macp.201400427

The design and fabrication of bioinspired nanomaterials for tissue‐engineering applications requires a fundamental understanding of the interactions between polymers, nanostructures, and cells. Most biomimetic polymeric nanocomposites consist of two or more types of polymers or of polymers combined with different nanomaterials to obtain composite structures with desired properties. In this Talents & Trends article, the focus is on bioinspired poly­meric nanocomposites surrounding three major strategies. Firstly, biomimetic structures composed of a fibrous architecture are discussed. Secondly, the emerging trends in designing complex nanocomposites with multiple functionalities are assessed. Finally, some of the most critical challenges that come with the design and fabrication are highlighted in bioprinting. Finally, the emerging trends in the field of bioinspired polymeric nanocomposites are highlighted. Designing bioinspired nanomaterials for tissue‐engineering applications requires a fundamental understanding of the interactions between polymers, nanostructures, and cells. Biomimetic structures composed of fibrous architectures are discussed, the emerging trends in designing complex nanocomposites with multiple functionalities are assessed and finally, some of the most critical challenges that come with the design and fabrication of bioinspired polymeric nanocomposites are highlighted.