Artificial extracellular matrix for embryonic stem cell cultures: a new frontier of nanobiomaterials

Abstract

Nanobiomaterials can play a central role in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering by facilitating cellular behavior and function, such as those where extracellular matrices ({ECMs)} direct embryonic stem ({ES)} cell morphogenesis, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. However, controlling {ES} cell proliferation and differentiation using matrices from natural sources is still challenging due to complex and heterogeneous culture conditions. Moreover, the systemic investigation of the regulation of self-renewal and differentiation to lineage specific cells depends on the use of defined and stress-free culture conditions. Both goals can be achieved by the development of biomaterial design targeting {ECM} or growth factors for {ES} cell culture. This targeted application will benefit from expansion of {ES} cells for transplantation, as well as the production of a specific differentiated cell type either by controlling the differentiation in a very specific pathway or by elimination of undesirable cell types.