Biomaterials and Stem Cells: Promising Tools in Tissue Engineering and Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Biomaterial sciences and tissue engineering approaches are currently fundamental strategies for the development of regenerative medicine. Stem cells (SCs) are a unique cell type capable of self-renewal and reconstructing damaged tissues. At the present time, adult SCs isolated from postnatal tissues are widely used in clinical applications. Their characteristics such as a multipotent differentiation capacity and immunomodulatory activity make them a promising tool to use in patients. Modern material technologies allow for the development of innovative biomaterials that closely correspond to requirements of the current biomedical application. Biomaterials, such as ceramics and metals, are already used as implants to replace or improve the functionality of the damaged tissue or organ. However, the continuous development of modern technology opens new insights of polymeric and smart material applications. Moreover, biomaterials may enhance the SCs biological activity and their implementation by establishing a specific microenvironment mimicking natural cell niche. Thus, the synergistic advancement in the fields of biomaterial and medical sciences constitutes a challenge for the development of effective therapies in humans including combined applications of novel biomaterials and SCs populations.

Impact of Graphene-Based Surfaces on the Basic Biological Properties of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Implications for Ex Vivo Cell Expansion Aimed at Tissue Repair

“…This porous structure may also be associated with the hydrophobic character of rGO and may influence the behavior of hUC-MSCs. Additionally, the irregular microtopography of culture surfaces, which is observed in the case of graphene-based materials, does not constitute a physiological environment for cells, and may modulate their proliferation, apoptosis, or differentiation [28,44,45]. Thus, detailed studies on GO- and rGO-based nanomaterials as potential scaffolds for stem cell culture are crucial to select the most appropriate material for improving the therapeutic efficiency of hUC-MSCs.…”

Mussel inspired ZIF8 microcarriers: a new approach for large-scale production of stem cells

“…1,2 As such, hMSCs have emerged as a promising candidate in tissue engineering, cell therapy, and regenerative medicine. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] This is due to their ease of isolation, immunomodulatory effects, and multipotency. 11 For instance, hMSCsbased therapies are able to supplement many of the body's natural disease responses in patients who suffer from a wide range of diseases such as cartilage and bone damage, cancer, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and spinal cord injuries.…”