Nano-scaffold
Nano-scaffold
Nano-scaffold (pronunciation: /ˈnænoʊˈskæfəld/) is a term used in biomedical engineering and nanotechnology to describe a structure composed of nanomaterials that serves as a support system for cells during tissue engineering or regenerative medicine.
Etymology
The term "nano-scaffold" is derived from the prefix "nano-", from the Greek "νάνος" meaning "dwarf", referring to the nanometer scale of the materials used, and "scaffold", from the Old French "escafaut", meaning a temporary support structure.
Definition
A nano-scaffold is a three-dimensional structure composed of biocompatible and biodegradable materials at the nanometer scale. These structures are designed to mimic the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) of tissues, providing a conducive environment for cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation.
Related Terms
- Nanofiber: A fiber with a diameter of 100 nanometers or less. Nanofibers are often used in the construction of nano-scaffolds due to their similarity in size to the components of the natural extracellular matrix.
- Biocompatibility: The property of a material being compatible with living tissue, i.e., not being rejected by the body. This is a crucial property for materials used in nano-scaffolds.
- Biodegradability: The ability of a material to be broken down by biological organisms or processes. Biodegradable materials are often used in nano-scaffolds as they can be broken down and replaced by the body's own tissues over time.
- Tissue Engineering: An interdisciplinary field that applies the principles of engineering and life sciences toward the development of biological substitutes that restore, maintain, or improve tissue function.
- Regenerative Medicine: A branch of medicine that develops methods to regrow, repair or replace damaged or diseased cells, organs or tissues.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Nano-scaffold
- Wikipedia's article - Nano-scaffold
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