Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Hydrogels for Stem Cell Fate Control
and Delivery in Regenerative Medicine
Wei Seong Toh, Yi-Chin Toh and Xian Jun Loh
Abstract
The dynamic tissue environment presents spatial and temporal heterogene-
ity in the cellular and matrix composition. Oxidative stress and inflammation affect
the mobilization of stem cells from the stem cell niche, survival and engraftment of
exogenous stem cells, and are therefore important considerations when delivering
cells in injectable hydrogels to the site of tissue injury. Strategies of anti-inflammation
and/or anti-oxidative injury may be incorporated into multifunctional hydrogels to
modify the tissue environment and help in the survival/engraftment of the transplanted
cells. This could improve the outcome of the regenerative therapy by combined
approaches utilizing hydrogels, microtechnologies and controlled release strategies.
These advances in hydrogel design and related enabling technologies will continue to
grow and aid in our future design of customized hydrogel delivery systems for healthy
and injured/diseased tissues, and guide the development of future therapies.
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