Engineering Stem Cells from “Outiside-In” and “Inside-Out”: A Biomaterials-mediated Approach

Stem cells are attractive cell sources for regenerative medicine due to their unique capacity of differentiation, as well as their ability to contribute to tissue repair via paracrine signaling. However, the efficacy of applying stem cells alone to achieve robust tissue regeneration in situ remains limited, often due to lack of appropriate microenvironmental cues to guide desirable cellular fates. In this talk, I will discuss examples of our research on how to employ biomaterials to address these challenges using two strategies. In the first strategy, we engineer stem cell microenvironments from “outside-in” by developing novel biomaterials as artificial extracellular matrix. Using a “lego-building” approach, our platforms allow fabrication of biomaterials modules with independently tunable cell niche properties including biochemical, mechanical and topographical cues. Such biomaterials can provide useful tools to enhance cell engraftment, guide desirable cell fates and provide tissue-mimicking mechanical properties. In the second strategy, we harness stem cells as drug delivery vehicles and its ability to catalyze tissue regeneration via paracrine signaling. We can further engineer the paracrine signaling of stem cells from “inside-out” using biodegradable polymeric nanoparticle-mediated non-viral gene delivery. Potential applications of such stem cell and biomaterials-based strategies for treating musculoskeletal and cardiovascular diseases will be demonstrated using relevant animal models.

Location
1005 GBSF