Editorial Comment: Nanoscience in Musculoskeletal Medicine

Excerpt

Musculoskeletal tissues and organs are constructed of natural nanostructures that can repair or regenerate themselves. Collagen is a nanoscale protein and bone is a natural nanostructure composite composed of collagen and hydroxyapatite. Skeletal muscles and tendons furthermore function as nanofibers. Damaged peripheral nerves have been recently repaired by nanotubes. As concepts of biomimetics and techniques using nanostructures have advanced, nanomaterials have been introduced to repair or regenerate musculoskeletal tissues and organs. In this mini-symposium, we present recent studies on bone engineering, implant coating to prevent infection, and delivery of antibiotics plus active molecules using nanotechnology and nanomaterials (Fig. 1).

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