Nanotechnology and regenerative therapeutics in plastic surgery: The next frontier

Abstract

Summary The rapid ascent of nanotechnology and regenerative therapeutics as applied to medicine and surgery has seen an exponential rise in the scale of research generated in this field. This is evidenced not only by the sheer volume of papers dedicated to nanotechnology but also in a large number of new journals dedicated to nanotechnology and regenerative therapeutics specifically to medicine and surgery. Aspects of nanotechnology that have already brought benefits to these areas include advanced drug delivery platforms, molecular imaging and materials engineering for surgical implants. Particular areas of interest include nerve regeneration, burns and wound care, artificial skin with nanoelectronic sensors and head and neck surgery. This study presents a review of nanotechnology and regenerative therapeutics, with focus on its applications and implications in plastic surgery.

Nanotechnology, nanosurfaces and silicone gel breast implants: current aspects

“…An important characteristic of nanoproducts is that they can present distinct physical, chemical, and biological behaviour from these aspects at the equivalent normal scale [ 3 ]. These singular aspects of nanotechnology surfaces result from the fact that nanoproducts have a large surface area-to-volume ratio, which causes them to be highly reactive [ 6 , 7 ].…”

Instrumental approach toward understanding nano-pollutants

“…Several parameters influence the toxicity of NPs including size, shape, surface area/volume ratio, chemical composition and surface properties [24,100]. In fact, NPs have a large surface area-to-volume ratio, rendering them highly reactive and affecting their mechanical and electrical properties [124]. Relation between the toxicity of NPs and water chemistry has also been reported [70].…”

Intact polyaniline coating as a conductive guidance is beneficial to repairing sciatic nerve injury

“…For example, the nanostructured extracellular matrix can regulate morphology, migration and myelination of Schwann cells, which is one of the vital components affecting neural repair and regeneration . Thus, there is a great significance to design conductive conduits with nanostructures for supporting the neuro growth …”

“…14 Thus, there is a great significance to design conductive conduits with nanostructures for supporting the neuro growth. [14][15][16] The conducting polymers such as polypyrrole and polythiophene have been reported to be used for repairing nerve injuries. 5,17 Polyaniline (PANi) cannot only support the attachment, proliferation, and differentiation of neural stem cells, allow the efficient induction of neural and glial differentiation via electrical stimulation, but also enhance the stability of neural electrode.…”