Engineered nanomaterials and microstructures for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine

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Tissue engineering stands at the forefront of regenerative medicine, offering innovative solutions to replace, repair, and enhance damaged or lost tissue functions. The key to its success lies in the careful selection of biomaterials. Mechanobiology plays a pivotal role in tissue regeneration, and recent advances have revealed the profound impact of mechanical cues on cell behavior and tissue development. Indeed, biomaterials have been engineered to provide structural support and mimic the mechanical features of native tissues. This topical review provides an in-depth exploration of the pivotal nanomaterials and microstructures related to the field, emphasizing the critical role of biocompatibility and mechanical properties, and describing the strategies for enhancing cellular interactions at the nano/microscale. Engineered nanomaterials developed to meet these essential criteria are analyzed, encompassing inorganic and organic nanoparticles. We discuss how they facilitate the controlled release of bioactive molecules, and provide mechanical support for cellular adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. In the context of microstructures, we describe the microfabrication techniques and analyze innovative and recent materials for microscaffolds, their role in creating tissue-specific microenvironments, and their drug-release properties. Finally, open challenges in the field are addressed, including translation to clinical applications, and the potential impact of biocompatible engineered nanomaterials and microstructures.