Recent research has highlighted the crucial role of tiny, inorganic particles and advanced biomaterials in medicine aimed at repairing damaged tissues and organs. This fast-evolving field is benefiting from innovations 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 New Mexico Highlands University examines how these materials provide supportive structures, improving the chances of successful tissue regeneration. The work has been published in the journal Inorganics.
Medical treatments that focus on regenerating tissues combine stem cell research, the study of special cells that can develop into different types of body tissues and help repair damage, with engineered materials to develop new ways to heal injuries, age-related damage, and long-term illnesses. Inorganic-based particles and biomaterials offer exciting possibilities because they can be attuned in size, shape, and stability. “These materials perform better than traditional synthetic ones by being more compatible with the human body and more effective in medical applications,” noted Dr. Saikia. The research takes a closer look at how these materials support stem cell therapies, 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 welcoming environment for cells to attach and multiply. For example, substances like hydroxyapatite, a mineral found in bones and teeth that helps strengthen and support their structure, and bioactive glass, a material that can bond with natural bone and stimulate healing, are commonly used in bone repair. Additionally, tiny metallic particles such as gold and silver have been found to fight bacteria, reducing the risk of infection in medical implants.
The study also highlights some challenges in using these materials in real medical treatments. Although they show 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 essential for making sure they work well in medical treatments,” Dr. Saikia explained. Researchers are also working on developing safer, biodegradable versions to address these concerns.
Moving forward, the combination of inorganic-based materials with cutting-edge techniques like 3D printing, a technique that builds objects layer by layer using digital designs, allowing for precise and customized structures, is expected to change the future of tissue repair. These new technologies can create materials that mimic the structure of real human tissues, making treatments more effective. Experts believe that continued progress in this area will lead to safer and more widely used medical solutions.
This research marks an important step in bringing nanotechnology into medical treatments. By taking advantage of the special properties of these inorganic materials, scientists are opening doors to new medical advancements that could improve recovery and healing for patients in need of tissue repair.
Journal Reference
Saikia N., “Inorganic-Based Nanoparticles and Biomaterials as Biocompatible Scaffolds for Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering: Current Advances and Trends of Development.” Inorganics, 2024, 12, 292. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics12110292
About the Author
Nabanita Saikia, Computational and Theoretical Chemist with a master’s in physical chemistry and a Doctorate in Computational and Theoretical Chemistry. I am a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Physical and Computational Chemistry at New Mexico Highlands University. My research bridges fundamental chemistry and advanced computational techniques, addressing critical questions about biomolecular behavior and paving new avenues for applications in biosensing, molecular self-assembly, and drug delivery. My research focuses on the modeling and simulation of biomolecule-nanomaterial hybrid systems and the conformational dynamics of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and multi-domain signaling scaffold proteins. I am passionate about interdisciplinary collaboration and mentorship, ensuring my work transcends the lab to inspire and prepare the next generation of scientists.
I bring over five years of teaching experience across a broad spectrum of subjects, ranging from general and introductory chemistry to advanced courses in physical chemistry, quantum chemistry, chemical kinetics, computational biophysics, and computational chemistry.
I serve as an Editorial Board Member for Scientific Reports (Nature Publishing Group), Associate Editor for Molecular Recognition (Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences), Academic Editor for PLOS ONE, and Review Editor for Coacervates and Biological Condensates (Frontiers in Biophysics) and Structural Biology (Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences). In recognition of my contributions to science, I was elected as a full member of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society, and inducted into the prestigious Marquis Who’s Who Biographical Registry.
I currently serve as Vice President – Presidential Line of the New Mexico Academy of Science. In this leadership role, I work towards advancing the mission of promoting science education, fostering scientific research, and building connections within the scientific community across the state of New Mexico. I am actively involved in contributing to Academy’s outreach programs and collaborative initiatives ensuring that science remains a cornerstone of educational and societal progress.
