Recent studies highlight the critical role of tiny, inorganic particles and late biomaterials in the aim of repairing damaged tissues and organs. This rapidly developing field benefits from innovation in nanotechnology, the science of designing and utilizing extremely small materials at the molecular or atomic level. A review led by Dr. Nabanita Saikia from the University of Highlands, New Mexico examines how these materials provide supportive structures, thereby improving the chances of successful tissue regeneration. This work has been published in the Journal.
Medical treatment focused on regenerative tissues combines stem cell research, and the study of special cells can develop into different types of body tissues and help repair damage, and engineered materials are used to develop new ways to heal injuries, age-related damage and long-term diseases. Inorganic-based particles and biomaterials have exciting possibilities because their size, shape and stability can be adjusted. “These materials are better compatible with the human body than traditional synthetic materials and are more effective in medical applications,” Dr. Saikia noted. The study carefully examines how these materials support stem cell therapy, nerve repair, artificial skin and cartilage healing, and 3D-printed tissue structures.
One of the most important findings is that these inorganic materials help cells grow and develop into different types of tissues. Because their surfaces can be tailored to specific needs, they provide a passionate environment for cell attachment and reproduction. For example, substances such as minerals found in bones and teeth help strengthen and support their structure, while bioactive glass, a material that can bond with natural bones and stimulate healing, is often used in bone repair. Furthermore, tiny metal particles such as gold and silver have been found to resist bacteria, reducing the risk of medical implant infection.
The study also highlights some of the challenges of using these materials in actual medical treatments. Despite their great potential, scientists are still studying their long-term effects on the body to ensure they are completely safe. “Learning more about how these materials interact with human tissues is crucial to ensure they work well in medical treatment,” explains Dr. Saikia. The researchers are also working to develop safer biodegradable versions to address these issues.
Moving forward, combining inorganic materials with cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing, which can build objects layer by layer through digital design, allowing precise and customized structures to transform the future of tissue repair. These new technologies can create materials that mimic real human tissue structures, thus making treatments more effective. Experts believe that continued progress in this area will lead to safer and wider use of medical solutions.
This study marks an important step in bringing nanotechnology into medical treatment. By leveraging the special properties of these inorganic materials, scientists are opening up new medical advances that can improve the recovery and rehabilitation of patients who need tissue repair.
Journal Reference
Saikia N., “Inorganic-based nanoparticles and biomaterials as biocompatibility scaffolds for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering: current developments and trends.” Inorganics, 2024, 12, 292. Doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics12110292
About the Author
Nabanita Saikiaa computational and theoretical chemist with a master’s degree in physical chemistry and a doctorate in computational and theoretical chemistry. I am a tenured assistant professor of physics and computational chemistry at the Highlands University of New Mexico. My research bridges basic chemistry and advanced computing techniques, solves key issues regarding biomolecular behavior, and paves new avenues for new pathways to be applied in biosensing, molecular self-assembly and drug delivery. My research focuses on the modeling and simulation of biomolecular nanomaterial hybrid systems and the conformational dynamics of intrinsic disordered proteins (IDPs) and multidomain signaling scaffold proteins. I am passionate about interdisciplinary collaboration and guidance, ensuring that my work goes beyond the lab to inspire and prepare the next generation of scientists.
I bring five years of teaching experience in a wide variety of disciplines, from general and introductory chemistry to advanced courses in physical chemistry, quantum chemistry, chemical kinetics, computational biophysics, and computational chemistry.
I am a member of the editorial board of scientific reports (Nature Publishing Group), molecular recognition assistant editor (Frontiers in the field of molecular biological sciences), academic editor of PLOS One, and review editor of condensation and biocondensate (Frontiers in Biophysics) and structural biology (Frontiers in the field of molecular biological sciences). In recognition of my contribution to science, I was elected as a full member of the Society for Honorary Science of Science and introduced it to the renowned Marquis’s biographical registry.
I am currently the Vice-President of the New Mexico Academy of Sciences. In this leadership role, I am committed to promoting a mission to promote science education, foster scientific research and build connections within the New Mexico scientific community. I actively participate in the Academy’s outreach program and collaborative program to ensure that science remains the cornerstone of educational and social progress.
