Autophagy and Biomaterials: A Brief Overview of the Impact of Autophagy in Biomaterial Applications

Abstract

Macroautophagy (hereafter autophagy), a tightly regulated physiological process that obliterates dysfunctional and damaged organelles and proteins, has a crucial role when biomaterials are applied for various purposes, including diagnosis, treatment, tissue engineering, and targeted drug delivery. The unparalleled physiochemical properties of nanomaterials make them a key component of medical strategies in different areas, such as osteogenesis, angiogenesis, neurodegenerative disease treatment, and cancer therapy. The application of implants and their modulatory effects on autophagy have been known in recent years. However, more studies are necessary to clarify the interactions and all the involved mechanisms. The advantages and disadvantages of nanomaterial-mediated autophagy need serious attention in both the biological and bioengineering fields. In this mini-review, the role of autophagy after biomaterial exploitation and the possible related mechanisms are explored.

Exploring Importance and Regulation of Autophagy in Cancer Stem Cells and Stem Cell-Based Therapies

“…The time, duration, and dosage of autophagy modulators must be optimized to maximize the therapeutic advantages and minimize off-target effects and cytotoxicity. Autophagy has a role in stem cell therapy for cancer, regenerative medicine, and tissue engineering [ 165 ]. Stem cells have the innate autophagic machinery for self-renewal and differentiation [ 166 ].…”