Use of Bio-Scaffolding in Regenerative Therapy

by Imran Rahman 

The use of bioscaffolding is a novel concept that is in the making, but the payoff is significant. By using a three-dimensional structure complemented with stem cell technology, you can effectively deliver stem cells to areas of the body easier, as certain aspects of the scaffolding can be altered to aid the delivery of the cells. 

By implementing stem cells into areas of affected tissue -  you could theoretically grow healthy tissue from the adult stem cells which could treat the problem of many diseases at the source (Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, diabetes and infarcted heart).

Bone marrow stromal cells give rise to a variety of cell types: bone cells (osteocytes), cartilage cells (chondrocytes), fat cells (adipocytes), and other kinds of connective tissue cells such as those in tendons. This may prove useful in healing injuries related to trauma - including serious head, chest, abdominal and skeletal injuries sustained as a result of accidents, sport or violence. The possibilities are endless and research has only just started.

The main problem that scientists face is how to effectively implement the coded stem cells into the body without any failure. This could be mitigated through the use of scaffolding. only a small number of cells pre-seeded in the scaffold or migrated into the scaffold from the surrounding tissue would survive due to poor oxygen supply. By introducing a porous material laden with stem cells, a rigid structure could be established with a high surface area, increasing the rate of diffusion of needed substances into the stem cells and removal of waste product into the blood supply theoretically increasing the success rate of the procedure. Also by using porous material, cells have the ability to proliferate into the surrounding airgaps, increasing the rate of effective cell growth. By using a three-dimensional template, the cells also can be guided into a prospective shape that suits the intended function, such as a particular bone shape or ligament.

The use of an extracellular fluid with soluble elements in the structure can also prove to be beneficial. Some elements can catalyse the formation of vascular networks. Neovascularization can decrease cell death in the sample as a constant supply of nutrients is available at all times. 

Metal scaffolds like titanium are bio-compatible and suitable for hard-tissue applications. Another type of scaffold is made of organic materials that provide a compatible environment for stem cells. marine sponge skeletons, cartilage in silk fibroin scaffolds, and adipose tissue in gelatin could be promising templates. To provide mechanical strength, biological agents could be added to the scaffold’s compounds. Marine sponge skeletons, for example, contain cell adhesion proteins such as fibronectin, collagen and gelatin.

These scaffolds could have an enormous impact on treatment for patients in the future. By altering the chemical and physical properties of the skeletons, we could possibly see stem cell treatment become a commonplace treatment for a multitude of illnesses in the future. 

 References

Hosseinkhani, M., Mehrabani, D., Karimfar, M. H., Bakhtiyari, S., Manafi, A., & Shirazi, R. (2014). Tissue Engineered Scaffolds in Regenerative Medicine. World Journal of Plastic Surgery, 3(1), 3–7.