Nanofiber-based delivery of bioactive agents and stem cells to bone sites

Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2012 Sep;64(12):1129-41. doi: 10.1016/j.addr.2012.04.008. Epub 2012 May 2.

Abstract

Biodegradable nanofibers are important scaffolding materials for bone regeneration. In this paper, the basic concepts and recent advances of self-assembly, electrospinning and thermally induced phase separation techniques that are widely used to generate nanofibrous scaffolds are reviewed. In addition, surface functionalization and bioactive factor delivery within these nanofibrous scaffolds to enhance bone regeneration are also discussed. Moreover, recent progresses in applying these nanofiber-based scaffolds to deliver stem cells for bone regeneration are presented. Along with the significant advances, challenges and obstacles in the field as well as the future perspective are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Regeneration*
  • Bone and Bones / metabolism*
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Humans
  • Nanofibers / chemistry*
  • Stem Cell Transplantation / methods
  • Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Tissue Engineering
  • Tissue Scaffolds / chemistry