Inorganic nanomaterials for improved angiogenesis

Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-821867-9.00009-3

Angiogenesis, the process of new blood vessel formation, is orchestrated by a series of chemical signals in the human body, leading to the growth, migration, and differentiation of endothelial cells (ECs) inside the wall blood vessels. During the last decade, nanomaterials' role in advancing or prohibiting angiogenesis has been well-studied; inorganic nanoparticles are among the most promising tools in regulating neovascularization. Physicochemical characteristics of nanosized materials determine their ability to stimulate or suppress the angiogenesis process. Apart from the nature of chemical elements, the particle size, shape, surface charge, and administrated concentrations are mentioned as decisive parameters in governing the fate of cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the angiogenesis process. Nowadays, inorganic nanoscale materials are being utilized in imaging angiogenesis in both healthy and pathological conditions. Still, there are serious concerns about the potential toxicity of inorganic nanoparticles for the body, limiting their extensive usage in managing various diseases and disorders in which imbalance of angiogenesis is observed.