Micro- and nanoparticles-based immunoregulation of macrophages for tissue repair and regeneration

The importance of inflammatory tissue microenvironment on the repair and regeneration of tissues and organs has been well recognized. In particular, the phenotypes of macrophages can significantly influence on the processes of tissue repair and remodeling. Among the many types of biomaterials, the particles in the range from nanometers to submicron meters have been extensively studied and applied in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. They can actively interact with cells in different levels, and show the ability to regulate the polarization of macrophages. In this review, the influence of physicochemical properties such as size, surface charge, chemical components and surface modification of micro-nanoparticles on the immune behavior of macrophages, including endocytosis and phenotype switch, shall be introduced. The important roles of nanoparticles-based immunoregulation of macrophages on the chronic skin wounds regeneration, myocardial repair, liver repair and bone regeneration are discussed.