Nanotechnology to drive stem cell commitment. (March 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bressan, Eriberto; Carraro, Amedeo; Ferroni, Letizia; Gardin, Chiara; Sbricoli, Luca; Guazzo, Riccardo; Stellini, Edoardo; Roman, Marco; Pinton, Paolo; Sivolella, Stefano; Zavan, Barbara
• Is Part Of: Nanomedicine. Volume 8:Number 3(2013)
• Page Start: 469
• Page End: 486
• Publication Date: 2013-03
• Subjects: adipogenesis -- adipose-derived stem cells -- adult stem cells -- differentiation -- mesenchymal stem cell -- nanoparticles -- nanotechnology -- nanotubes -- neurogenesis -- osteogenesis; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Medical technology -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Therapeutic use -- Periodicals; 610.28
• DOI: 10.2217/nnm.13.12
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-5889

Abstract

Stem cells (SCs) are undifferentiated cells responsible for the growth, homeostasis and repair of many tissues. The maintenance and survival of SCs is strongly influenced by several stimuli from the local microenvironment. The majority of signaling molecules interact with SCs at the nanoscale level. Therefore, scaffolds with surface nanostructures have potential applications for SCs and in the field of regenerative medicine. Although some strategies have already reached the field of cell biology, strategies based on modification at nanoscale level are new players in the fields of SCs and tissue regeneration. The introduction of the possibility to perform such modifications to these fields is probably due to increasing improvements in nanomaterials for biomedical applications, as well as new insights into SC biology. The aim of the present review is to exhibit the most recent applications of nanostructured materials that drive the commitment of adult SCs for potential clinical applications.