Author/Authors :
Hosseinkhani, Mohsen Department of Anatomy - Qazvin University of Medical Science, Qazvin, IR Iran , Shirazi, Reza Department of Anatomy - Qazvin University of Medical Science, Qazvin, IR Iran , Rajaei, Farzad Department of Anatomy - Qazvin University of Medical Science, Qazvin, IR Iran , Mahmoudi, Masoud Department of Anatomy - Qazvin University of Medical Science, Qazvin, IR Iran , Mohammadi, Navid Department of Community Medicine - Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, IR Iran , Abbasi, Mahnaz Department of Rheumatology - Qazvin University of Medical Science, Qazvin, IR Iran
Abstract :
Context: Stem cells have the potential to generate a renewable source of cells for regenerative medicine due to their ability to self-renew and
differentiate to various functional cell types of the adult organism. The extracellular microenvironment plays a pivotal role in controlling
stem cell fate responses. Therefore, identification of appropriate environmental stimuli that supports cellular proliferation and lineagespecific
differentiation is critical for the clinical application of the stem cell therapies. Evidence Acquisition: Traditional methods for stem cells culture offer limited manipulation and control of the extracellular
microenvironment. Micro engineering approaches are emerging as powerful tools to control stem cell-microenvironment interactions and
for performing high-throughput stem cell experiments. Results: In this review, we provided an overview of the application of technologies such as surface micropatterning, microfluidics, and
engineered biomaterials for directing stem cell behavior and determining the molecular cues that regulate cell fate decisions. Conclusions: Stem cells have enormous potential for therapeutic and pharmaceutical applications, because they can give rise to various cell
types. Despite their therapeutic potential, many challenges, including the lack of control of the stem cell microenvironment remain. Thus, a
greater understanding of stem cell biology that can be used to expand and differentiate embryonic and adult stem cells in a directed manner
offers great potential for tissue repair and regenerative medicine.
Keywords :
Stem Cells , Biocompatible Materials , Cellular Microenvironment , Cell Differentiation