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

The document from 2018 explores the synergistic use of biomaterials and stem cells in the field of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. It highlights the advantages of using mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) due to their ability to differentiate into multiple cell types, modulate immune responses, and their low risk of rejection, which makes them ideal for clinical use without ethical issues. The potential of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) is also discussed, despite concerns about teratoma formation. The document notes the emerging role of extracellular vesicles from stem cells in tissue repair and immune modulation. It emphasizes the critical role of biomaterials in creating scaffolds that support stem cell function and mimic the natural cellular environment. Over 240 clinical trials involving MSCs were reported at the time of publication. Additionally, the document describes the use of biomaterials, both natural and synthetic, in various medical applications and the development of smart materials. It concludes by stressing the importance of optimizing biomaterials to enhance stem cell therapy and the need to overcome challenges for broader clinical application.