This paper review current trends in applications of nanomaterials in tissue engineering. Nanomaterials applicable in this area can be divided into two groups: organic and inorganic. Organic nanomaterials are especially used for the preparation of highly porous scaffolds for cell cultivation and are represented by polymeric nanofibers. Inorganic nanomaterials are implemented as they stand or dispersed in matrices promoting their functional properties while preserving high level of biocompatibility. They are used in various forms (e.g., nano- particles, -tubes and -fibers)-and when forming the composites with organic matrices-are able to enhance many resulting properties (biologic, mechanical, electrical and/or antibacterial). For this reason, this contribution points especially to such type of composite nanomaterials. Basic information on classification, properties and application potential of single nanostructures, as well as complex scaffolds suitable for 3D tissues reconstruction is provided. Examples of practical usage of these structures are demonstrated on cartilage, bone, neural, cardiac and skin tissue regeneration and replacements. Nanomaterials open up new ways of treatments in almost all areas of current tissue regeneration, especially in tissue support or cell proliferation and growth. They significantly promote tissue rebuilding by direct replacement of damaged tissues.

• Keywords
• antibacterial effects, biologic properties, mechanical properties, nanomaterials, tissue engineering,
• MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Nanostructures chemistry   MeSH
• Regenerative Medicine methods   MeSH
• Tissue Engineering methods   MeSH
• Tissue Scaffolds chemistry   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH

Urgent need for innovative and effective antibacterial coatings in different fields seems to have triggered the development of numerous strategies for the production of such materials. As shown in this short overview, plasma based techniques arouse considerable attention that is connected with the possibility to use these techniques for the production of advanced antibacterial Ag/plasma polymer coatings with tailor-made functional properties. In addition, the plasma-based deposition is believed to be well-suited for the production of novel multi-functional or stimuli-responsive antibacterial films.

• Keywords
• antibacterial coatings, nanocomposites, non-equilibrium plasma, plasma polymers, silver,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH

Antimicrobial biocompatible polymers form a group of highly desirable materials in medicinal technology that exhibit interesting thermal and mechanical properties, and high chemical resistance. There are numerous types of polymers with antimicrobial activity or antimicrobial properties conferred through their proper modification. In this review, we focus on the second type of polymers, especially those whose antimicrobial activity is conferred by nanotechnology. Nanotechnology processing is a developing area that exploits the antibacterial effects of broad-scale compounds, both organic and inorganic, to form value-added medical devices. This work gives an overview of nanostructured antimicrobial agents, especially silver ones, used together with biocompatible polymers as effective antimicrobial composites in healthcare. The bactericidal properties of non-conventional antimicrobial agents are compared with those of conventional ones and the advantages and disadvantages are discussed.

• Keywords
• antimicrobials, biocompatibility, medical devices, modification, nanostructures, polymers,
• MeSH
• Anti-Infective Agents administration & dosage   chemistry   MeSH
• Biocompatible Materials chemistry   MeSH
• Disinfection * methods   MeSH
• Cross Infection microbiology   prevention & control   transmission   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Nanostructures * chemistry   ultrastructure   MeSH
• Nanotechnology MeSH
• Polymers * chemistry   MeSH
• Surface Properties MeSH
• Silver * chemistry   MeSH
• Equipment and Supplies * microbiology   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Anti-Infective Agents MeSH
• Biocompatible Materials MeSH
• Polymers * MeSH
• Silver * MeSH