Special Issue "Stem Cells and Biomaterials"

Guest Editor
Prof. Dr. David L. Kaplan
Departments of Biomedical Engineering & Chemical and Biological Engineering Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA 02155, USA
Website: http://ase.tufts.edu/faculty-guide/fac/dkaplan1.biomed.htm
E-Mail: david.kaplan@tufts.edu
Interests: extracellular matrix remodeling, biosynthesis, bioengineered spider

The innate ability of stem cells to self-renew and differentiate into multiple cell types makes them a promising source for tissue regeneration applications.  This capacity to self-renew and differentiate is heavily influenced by the microenvironment. Therefore, to consistently and efficiently control the fate determination of stem cells, it is necessary to replicate the physical, chemical, and biological signals found in the microenvironment, both spatially and temporally.  Engineered biomaterials have the potential to mimic and control the physical, chemical and biologic factors necessary for guided stem cell differentiation.  They are currently being investigated to act as scaffolds to guide and improve 3D tissue formation, substrates to enhance cell culturing techniques, vehicles for cell delivery, and sources of immobilized and/or time released factors.  These biomaterials are being applied to the regeneration of numerous tissue types, including bone, cartilage, fat, myocardium and nerves, among others, and are being used to enhance the engraftment of modified adult stem cells.  The continued advancement of biomaterials holds the promise of improved therapies for numerous conditions.

Prof. Dr. David L. Kaplan
Guest Editor

Submission

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• mesenchymal stem cell
• hematopoietic stem cell
• induced pluripotent stem cell
• embryonic stem cell
• hydrogel
• electrospun fibers
• tissue engineering
• 3D scaffolds
• tissue regeneration
• silk
• stem cell niche