[Intelligent materials in regenerative medicine and the use]

Intelligent material is one of the most important concepts in the area of material technology. Intelligent materials have functions including those of sensors, processors and actuators. In short, intelligent materials have the potential to respond to changes in the surrounding environment. For example, the material can change its conformation and/or release various factors as its environment changes. Intelligent material is well known as a material for use in drug delivery systems(DDS). A material that releases insulin in well controlled amounts has been used in the treatment of diabetes. There is also a great need for new materials that function as the scaffold of bio-artificial organs. In addition, the technology of intelligent materials will play an important role in the area of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.