Nanoparticles as Anti-inflammatory and Pro-regenerative Therapeutic Molecules

Nanomaterials are widely used in cosmetics, foods and medicinal products for improved performance. In addition, various nanomaterials are under development for different biomedical applications. However, it is gradually becoming evident that many of the nanomaterials can induce substantial inflammation. For example, it is shown that metal and metal oxide nanoparticles generate oxidative stress that can induce acute pulmonary inflammation and other adverse health effects. Moreover, it has been shown that the inflammatory effects of nanoparticles can be modulated by changing surface chemistry and the chemical composition. Some nanomaterials even show anti-inflammatory effects. Thus evaluation of the inflammatory effect of potential nanomaterials, ways to suppress inflammation and to investigate their anti-inflammatory properties are important for translational research. Furthermore, our laboratory has synthesized a library of nanomaterials useful as bioimaging probe and as drug delivery carriers. However, their inflammatory effects have not yet been investigated. Tissue engineering represents an attractive option for regeneration of several organ systems. Nanoporous 3D scaffolds are attractive materials for tissue engineering as the structures can be modulated as per requirements. However, their application as a scaffold for lung regeneration is not well explored. There are only few reports that use poly-lactic acid-based foam and Gelfoam sponge as a scaffold for lung regeneration and have shown a partial success. In addition, graphene and porous carbon/silica based new generation scaffolds are not yet explored for lung regeneration.