Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 12
Control of Mesenchymal Stem-Cell Fate
by Engineering the Nanoenvironment
Habib Nikukar
1,2
, Stuart Reid
3
, Mathis O. Riehle
1
, Adam S.G. Curtis
1
,
and Matthew J. Dalby
1
1
Centre for Cell Engineering, Institute for Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical,
Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
2
Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran
3
SUPA, Thin Film Centre, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK
Introduction
The complexity of the human body and coordinated harmony of various parts of living
organisms are reflections of more difficult integration at the cellular and molecular
level. Thanks to modern microscopy and molecular approaches, biologists are finding
understanding inside the smallest parts of living organs, the cells. Growth, development,
and repair are continuously occurring to preserve health to the end of life. Medicine, as
a science to conserve human health and treat diseases, is always looking for new methods
to support us as we grow older. Through progress in the field of the very small (micro-
and nanosciences), the possibility of finding new techniques for prevention and treatment
of diseases may perhaps be found. The hope for use of cells directly for cell-based therapy,
stem-cell therapy, gene therapy, and understanding cell control and signaling mecha-
nisms will help us realize regenerative therapies. Use of autologous stem cells to make
new tissues and organs to replace or treat those that have become damaged or diseased is
a major tissue-engineering aim.
In this chapter, the effects of nanoscale topography and mechanical stimulations on
cells, with particular focus on human mesenchymal stem cells, to understand the potential
usefulness of these nanoscale tools will be explored.
Bionanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine
Development and availability of modern technology has facilitated discovery within the very
small world at the micro- and nanoscale [1]. Desire to find new methods to maintain human
health and treat the life-threatening diseases in medical sciences linked to nanotechnology, is
defining “bionanotechnology.” The term “nanomedicine” sometimes is applied to the usage
of high-performance nanotechnology for the improvement of medical methods and devices.
The basics of these sciences focus on nanoscale, that is, (1-100) × 10
−9
m materials such as
