Polymeric biomaterials for stem cell bioengineering

Macromol Rapid Commun. 2012 Sep 14;33(17):1420-31. doi: 10.1002/marc.201200382. Epub 2012 Aug 7.

Abstract

This review covers the application of polymeric materials in stem cell bioengineering. Main emphasis is directed towards current material design concepts that mimic distinct exogenous signals of the stem cell microenvironment. Progress within the field of stem cell-specific biomaterials will be discussed, focusing on pluripotent, hematopoietic, mesenchymal and neural stem cells. The future role of biomaterials will be outlined with possible applications for cell reprogramming and engineering cancer cell microenvironments.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biopolymers / chemistry*
  • Cellular Reprogramming
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
  • Genetic Engineering
  • Humans
  • Stem Cell Niche
  • Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Tissue Engineering*

Substances

  • Biopolymers