The aim of the work presented in this thesis, was to develop functionalized nanoparticles with the ability to induce adhesion and migration in normal human keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Using particulate systems in dermal restoration is a novel approach of tissue engineering. In this view, a water-soluble chitosan derivative functionalized with RGD peptides was developed and evaluated. Nanoparticles were formed through complex coacervation and the particulate system was evaluated in vitro for its ability to change phenotype in cells. In vitro, no clear conclusions could be drawn from assays looking at the interaction between keratinocytes and the chitosan derivative. However, both the polymer and the particles formed thereof induced cell adhesion and spreading in human dermal fibroblasts, proving the concept of bioactive nanoparticles. To summarize, a bioactive particulate system was developed, but the choice of peptides to induce migration in keratinocytes needs to be re-evaluated for further investigations.