Prospect of Stem Cells in Bone Tissue Engineering: A Review

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been the subject of many studies in recent years, ranging from basic science that looks into MSCs properties to studies that aim for developing bioengineered tissues and organs. Adult bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) have been the focus of most studies due to the inherent potential of these cells to differentiate into various cell types. Although, the discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) represents a paradigm shift in our understanding of cellular differentiation. These cells are another attractive stem cell source because of their ability to be reprogramed, allowing the generation of multiple cell types from a single cell. This paper briefly covers various types of stem cell sources that have been used for tissue engineering applications, with a focus on bone regeneration. Then, an overview of some recent studies making use of MSC-seeded 3D scaffold systems for bone tissue engineering has been presented. The emphasis has been placed on the reported scaffold properties that tend to improve MSCs adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation outcomes.

Cranioplasty with Adipose-Derived Stem Cells, Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate Granules and Supporting Mesh: Six-Year Clinical Follow-Up Results

“…Bone tissue engineering techniques with or without ASCs have been studied actively during past decades 26, 27, 28. ASCs are multipotent cells that are recognized as potentially beneficial in wide variety of medical therapies in reconstructive surgery 27, 28, 29, 30.…”

“…ASCs are multipotent cells that are recognized as potentially beneficial in wide variety of medical therapies in reconstructive surgery 27, 28, 29, 30. The potential of these cells has evoked great enthusiasm and high expectations in both scientific and commercial circles.…”

Study of the involvement of allogeneic MSCs in bone formation using the model of transgenic mice

“…The scaffold design for bone tissue engineering involves many parameters that directly affect adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of the seeded MSCs. 35 It has been shown that the nanoscale topographical features, mechanical properties and micro-/macroscale gradient structures, in addition to the biological domains, are the most important elements in successful bone regeneration. 35,36 Moreover, nanoscale particles, like HA, in the scaffold structure can significantly modulate the behavior of the seeded cells, including cell adhesion, differentiation and proliferation.…”

“…35 It has been shown that the nanoscale topographical features, mechanical properties and micro-/macroscale gradient structures, in addition to the biological domains, are the most important elements in successful bone regeneration. 35,36 Moreover, nanoscale particles, like HA, in the scaffold structure can significantly modulate the behavior of the seeded cells, including cell adhesion, differentiation and proliferation. 37 Thereby, bone formation from the seeded allogeneic MSCs, as well as the absence of the host cells, may be determined by the scaffold structure.…”

Briefly about Mesenchymal Stem Cells - One of the Main Players in Bone Tissue Engineering

“…1,2 Bone has a remarkable regenerative potential -fracture healing is a complex process that follows specific regenerative patterns involving several molecular, genetic, biochemical and cellular mechanisms. When the size of the lost bone is greater than the healing capacity of osteogenic tissues there is a need of bone implants.…”