Nanoscaffold based stem cell regeneration therapy: recent advancement and future potential

Abstract

Importance of the field: Over the past years, extensive research has been directed towards tissue engineering using conventional scaffolds. In-depth studies in this field have led to the realization that in vivo cells interact with the extracellular matrix, composed of nanofibers at sub-micron scale, which not only provides the mechanical support to the cells but also plays a key role in regulation of cellular behavior. This has led to the development of nanofibrous scaffold (NFS) technology which in combination with stem cells is emerging as an important tool in the development of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Areas covered in this review: This review summarizes the three methods of nanofibrous scaffold preparation and provides a state-of-the-art update on the recent advancement in the use of nanoscaffolds in stem cell regeneration therapy.

What the reader will gain: The review gives the reader an insight on nanoscaffold based therapy methods, such as how these scaffolds can potentially be designed and used in successful development of stem cell based therapies.

Take home message: NFS technology when coupled with stem cells and exploited in the right way has a strong potential of being used in stem cell based regenerative medicine.

Keywords::

• cell and tissue engineering
• nanobiotechnology
• nanofibrous scaffold
• nanomedicine
• regenerative medicine
• stem cells

Acknowledgments

This work is supported by a research grant from Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), MOP 64308 to S Prakash. A Paul acknowledges the financial support from Natural Sciences and Engineering research Council of Canada (NSERC)–Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship.

Notes

This box summarizes key points contained in the article.