Nanostructures are being researched for the preparation and improvement of tissue
regeneration scaffolds. Research areas include the ability to develop molecularly
sensitive polymers using the optical properties of nanoparticles as control systems,
manipulating the stiffness and strength of scaffolds using hybrid nanostructures, and the
use of nanotechnology to prepare molecular imprints to maximize long-term viability and
function of cells on scaffold surfaces.

With the ultimate objective of growing large complex organs, a variety of nanomaterials
and nanotechnology fabrication techniques are being investigated as tissue regeneration
scaffolds that provide improved structural requirements and guide the activity of seeded
cells. Some examples are as follows:

• Nanoscale polymers such as Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) are being molded into heart
  valves and seeded with fibroblasts and endothelial cells.
• PVA is also being investigated for the cornea by having corneal epithelia cells
  seeded in a PVA hydrogel structure. This polymer material can absorb more than
  20% its weight in water while maintaining a distinct three-dimensional structure
• A polyglycolic ball is being experimented with muscle cells and bladder endothelial cells.
• Polymer nanocomposites are being researched for bone scaffolds

Nanostructures are also being used to study the fundamental properties of implanted
tissues. In areas of in vivo analysis, nanostructures are used as tracers for implanted cells,
and to study the response of host to implanted tissues.