Current advances in cell therapeutics: a biomacromolecules application perspective

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Many chronic diseases have evolved and to circumvent the limitations of using conventional drug therapies, smart cell encapsulating delivery systems have been explored to customize the treatment with alignment to disease longevity. Cell therapeutics has advanced in tandem with improvements in biomaterials that can suitably deliver therapeutic cells to achieve targeted therapy. Among the promising biomacromolecules for cell delivery are those that share bio-relevant architecture with the extracellular matrix and display extraordinary compatibility in the presence of therapeutic cells. Interestingly, many biomacromolecules that fulfil these tenets occur naturally and can form hydrogels.

Areas covered

This review provides a concise incursion into the paradigm shift to cell therapeutics using biomacromolecules. Advances in the design and use of biomacromolecules to assemble smart therapeutic cell carriers is discussed in light of their pivotal role in enhancing cell encapsulation and delivery. In addition, the principles that govern the application of cell therapeutics in diabetes, neuronal disorders, cancers and cardiovascular disease are outlined.

Expert opinion

Cell therapeutics promises to revolutionize the treatment of various secretory cell dysfunctions. Current and future advances in designing functional biomacromolecules will be critical to ensure that optimal delivery of therapeutic cells is achieved with desired biosafety and potency.

KEYWORDS:

• Cell therapeutics
• biomacromolecules
• cell encapsulation
• cell delivery
• regenerative medicine
• targeting
• hydrogels

Article highlights

• Discusses current approaches in the use of biomacromolecules to encapsulate therapeutic cells

• Critically evaluates the chemical structure and physicochemical of advanced biomacromolecules having bio-relevant architecture for optimal cell therapeutics

• Provides a critical analysis of the various methods and inherent factors of cell encapsulation mechanisms of action and fabrication processes

• Assimilates various cell therapeutic approaches for customized treatment duration and system longevity

• Outlines key clinical applications of cell therapeutics and future trends for ideal biomacromolecule-based technologies for cell therapeutics

This box summarizes key points contained in the article.

Acknowledgments

This article is dedicated to Professor Viness Pillay who passed away on the 24 July 2020.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Additional information

Funding

The National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa (Grant number : 129663) is acknowledged for the funding of this work