Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering The Scaffold

Nanofabrication gives us the ability to mimic biological structures with molecular level precision. Offering a natural progression of topics, Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering: The Scaffold provides a state-of-the-art account of groundbreaking research in this rapidly emerging area of biomedical engineering. Emphasizing the importance of scaffolds, the book details fundamental and advanced aspects of nanofabrication and examines cellular interactions at the nanoscale level. It reviews extracellular matrix structure and function and discusses various nanoscale biological surface modifications that can improve cellular responses. The editors present the most promising nanofabrication techniques, including electrospinning, lithography, and self assembly. Featuring the contributions of pioneering scientists writing about their own research, this cutting-edge volume — Provides background information discussing the emerging importance of scaffolds in tissue engineering Examines tissue engineering as it relates to orthopedic, cardiovascular, neural, and musculoskeletal applications Details cell responses to a number of nanoscale features Delves into microfabrication techniques in scaffold development Presents research on designer self-assembling peptide scaffolds This highly comprehensive resource also discusses clinical implications and applications, presenting exciting breakthroughs in neural, vascular, and musculoskeletal tissue engineering with nanostructures. An essential resource, for biomedical engineers working on the frontiers of tissue research, this book brings together current findings and background information on a complete range of engineering processes that have led to the development of a number of highly useful tissues.