The Function of Stem Cells in the Biomedical Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Stem-cell therapy is at the forefront of revolutionary advancements in modern medicine, having a significant capacity to transform the treatment landscape of numerous debilitating illnesses and injuries. This Special Issue of Cells, ”The Function of Stem Cells in the Biomedical Applications,” explores the cutting-edge frontier of treatments utilizing stem cells, highlighting the unique capabilities of stem cells to undergo regeneration and differentiate into specialized cell phenotypes.

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells, as they lack specialized physiological properties. However, in the right environment, they can be developed into specialized cells that serve specific functions in various parts of the body. Stem cells are the body’s natural reservoir. They can be used to replenish stocks of specialized cells that have been damaged. These new cells are essential for the body to function correctly. Some cells, such as those in blood and muscle, cannot replicate through cell division; as such, stem cells would take their place. In recent years, the use of stem cells has increased in biomedical research. Stem cells, due to their unique properties of self-renewal and differentiation into specialized cell types, are primarily utilized in biomedical applications for regenerative medicine, disease modeling, and drug discovery and testing.

The primary function of stem cells in biomedical applications is to repair or replace damaged or diseased tissues and organs. They can be used in the following applications:

1. Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy. Stem cells are used in blood and immune system disorders, as well as in tissue repair and regeneration (for skin and bone injuries, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and various autoimmune diseases).
2. Disease Research and Drug Discovery. Stem cells can be used to understand disease mechanisms, develop disease models, and test new drugs.
3. Tissue Engineering and Drug Delivery. In biomedical engineering, stem cells can be used to engineer tissues/organs. They can also serve as delivery vehicles for therapeutic genes, nanoparticles, or small-molecule drugs.

Dr. Rakesh Kumar Srivastava
Guest Editor

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