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ABSTRACT
Cell-sheet technology involves the recovery of cells with its secreted ECM and cell–cell junctions intact, and thereby harvesting them in a single contiguous layer. Temperature changes coupled with a thermoresponsive polymer grafted culture plate surface are typically used to induce detachment of this cell–matrix layer by controlling the hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity properties of the culture surface. This review article details the genesis and development of this technique as a critical tissue-engineering tool, with a comprehensive discussion on connective tissue applications. This includes applications in the myocardial, vascular, cartilage, bone, tendon/ligament, and periodontal areas among others discussed. In particular, further focus will be given to the use of stem cells-derived cell-sheets, such as those involving bone marrow-derived and adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells. In addition, some of the associated challenges faced by approaches using stem cells-derived cell-sheets will also be discussed. Finally, recent advances pertaining to technologies forming, detaching, and manipulating cell-sheets will be covered in view of the potential impact they will have on shaping the way cell-sheet technology will be utilized in the future as a tissue-engineering technique.
Declaration of interest
The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.