Title:Modulation of Stem Cell Differentiation by the Influence of Nanobiomaterials/ Carriers
Volume: 9
Issue: 6
Author(s): Kiran Kumar Bokara, Gopi Suresh Oggu, Aditya Josyula Vidyasagar, Amit Asthana, Jong Eun Lee and Ch. Mohan Rao
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Biocompatibility, nanobiomaterials, stem cell differentiation, stem cells.
Abstract: Stem cells, either neural [NSCs] or mesenchymal [MSCs], possess tremendous untapped potential for cell therapy.
Unlike the NSCs, MSCs are multi-potent and they have high self-renewal capability and broad tissue distribution.
Since they do not produce significant immune rejection on post-transplantation; they are better suited for cell-based therapies.
However, several critical issues need to be addressed to maximize stem cell-derived therapeutic effects. The key factor
affecting the therapeutic application of stem cells is exposure to hostile conditions in vivo such as oxidative stress,
which results in considerably low survival rate of these cells at transplanted sites, thereby reducing the therapeutic efficiency.
Such limitation has led scientists to design clinically relevant, innovative and multifaceted solutions including the
use of nanobiomaterials. Use of cytocompatible nanobiomaterials holds great promise and has gained attention of researchers,
worldwide. Various nanobiomaterials are being explored to increase the survival efficiency and direct differentiation
of stem cells to generate tissue-specific cells for biomedical research and futuristic therapies. These materials have
superior cytocompatability, mechanical, electrical, optical, catalytic and magnetic properties. Non-invasive visualization
of the biological system has been developed using magnetic nanoparticles and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] approaches.
Apart from viral vectors, non-viral carriers such as DNA nano carriers, single stranded RNA nanoparticles,
liposomes and carbon nanotubes/wires are being exploited for gene delivery into stem cells. This article reviews potential
application of various biocompatible nanomaterials in stem cell research and development.
