Nanomaterial-Based Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering Applications: A Review on Graphene, Carbon Nanotubes and Nanocellulose

Nanoscale biomaterials have garnered immense interest in the scientific community in the recent decade. This review specifically focuses on the application of three nanomaterials, i.e., graphene and its derivatives (graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide), carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nanocellulose (cellulose nanocrystals or CNCs and cellulose nanofibers or CNFs), in regenerating different types of tissues, including skin, cartilage, nerve, muscle and bone. Their excellent inherent (and tunable) physical, chemical, mechanical, electrical, thermal and optical properties make them suitable for a wide range of biomedical applications, including but not limited to diagnostics, therapeutics, biosensing, bioimaging, drug and gene delivery, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. A state-of-the-art literature review of composite tissue scaffolds fabricated using these nanomaterials is provided, including the unique physicochemical properties and mechanisms that induce cell adhesion, growth, and differentiation into specific tissues. In addition, in vitro and in vivo cytotoxic effects and biodegradation behavior of these nanomaterials are presented. We also discuss challenges and gaps that still exist and need to be addressed in future research before clinical translation of these promising nanomaterials can be realized in a safe, efficacious, and economical manner.

Graphene as an Enabling Strategy for Dental Implant and Tissue Regeneration

Graphene-based approaches have been influential in the design and manipulation of dental implants and tissue regeneration to overcome the problems associated with traditional titanium-based dental implants, such as their low biological affinity. Here, we describe the current progress of graphene-based platforms, which have contributed to major advances for improving cellular functions in in vitro and in vivo applications of dental implants. We also present opinions on the principal challenges and future prospects for new graphene-based platforms for the development of advanced graphene dental implants and tissue regeneration.

Hyalinized Hemangioma of the Liver: A Case Report

Hepatic hemangioma is one of the most frequent benign neoplasms of the liver. Yet, hyalinized hemangioma represents a regressed form of cavernous hemangioma, a very rare disease that has only been reported in two patients in Korea. Hyalinized hemangiomas are characterized by severe sclerosis and are occasionally misdiagnosed as malignancies. Hemangiomas have identifiable features on ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. However, the radiologic differential diagnosis is extensive and should include malignant tumors. We report a very rare case of hyalinized hepatic hemangioma and present a review of the literature.