Role of nanostructured biopolymers and bioceramics in enamel, dentin and periodontal tissue regeneration

Tissue engineering approach focuses on the regeneration of deficient or damaged tissues of the body. Regeneration of dental tissues is considered as a promising therapeutic approach in dental tissue engineering. Engineering the environment for developing tissues comprises of biomaterials, growth factors, stem cells and regulation of physiological conditions in a spatial and temporal manner. To enhance the structural stability and bioactivity of polymers, a wide variety of nanomaterials are being utilized in dental regenerative medicine. Nanostructured biopolymers in the form of scaffolds, hydrogels, nanofibers, dendrimers, films, etc. and nanostructured bioceramics such as hydroxyapatite, bioactive glass ceramic/bioglass, etc. in the form of nanoparticles, nanocrystals, nanorods, paste, etc. are being exploited in the simultaneous regeneration of hard and soft tissues of the human body. In the dental area, these different forms closely mimic the natural constituents and framework of the dental tissues, namely enamel, dentin and periodontium. Overall this review essentially focuses on the role of polymeric and ceramic nanomaterials in the area of dental tissue engineering, highlighting their specific applications in enamel, dentin and periodontal regeneration. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.