Is nanotechnology and stem cells a solution for treatment and replacement of damaged organs?
Alexander Marcus Seifalian¹*
Centre of Nanotechnology & Regenerative Medicine, University College London, UK.
*Current address: Nanotechnology Regenerative Medicine Ltd
The London Bioscience Innovation Centre, London, UK
Email: [email protected]
Nanoparticles, nanotechnology-based biomaterials and stem cells are the next generations of biotechnology under development for treatment and replacement of damaged organs.
Their research and development are based on a multidisciplinary team approach from basic science to the clinician. We have developed and patented a family of nanoparticles, nanocomposites materials and use stem cells in the development of human organs.
Using these novel materials, 3D scaffold is fabricated using 3D bioprinter, and then the scaffold is functionalised by peptides, antibodies and/or stem cells.
Practically, however, more knowledge needs to be revealed 1) biocompatibility and toxicology of scaffold in short and long term, 2) design and structure biomolecules as well as 3) stem cells application and its differentiation to mature cells before they can enter clinical trials.
These have proven to be barriers to clinical entry, seen even in both in vitro and preclinical studies due to inconsistency in results from a myriad of studies.
However, we can be assured that the field is indeed making advancements, demonstrated by the rapid development of smarter scaffold as well as work on stem cells and initial compassionates cases of implanted organs.
Conflict of Interests
The author declares that there is no conflict of interests regarding this research and development.
Alexander Marcus Seifalian¹*
Centre of Nanotechnology & Regenerative Medicine, University College London, UK.
*Current address: Nanotechnology Regenerative Medicine Ltd
The London Bioscience Innovation Centre, London, UK
Email: [email protected]
Nanoparticles, nanotechnology-based biomaterials and stem cells are the next generations of biotechnology under development for treatment and replacement of damaged organs.
Their research and development are based on a multidisciplinary team approach from basic science to the clinician. We have developed and patented a family of nanoparticles, nanocomposites materials and use stem cells in the development of human organs.
Using these novel materials, 3D scaffold is fabricated using 3D bioprinter, and then the scaffold is functionalised by peptides, antibodies and/or stem cells.
Practically, however, more knowledge needs to be revealed 1) biocompatibility and toxicology of scaffold in short and long term, 2) design and structure biomolecules as well as 3) stem cells application and its differentiation to mature cells before they can enter clinical trials.
These have proven to be barriers to clinical entry, seen even in both in vitro and preclinical studies due to inconsistency in results from a myriad of studies.
However, we can be assured that the field is indeed making advancements, demonstrated by the rapid development of smarter scaffold as well as work on stem cells and initial compassionates cases of implanted organs.
Conflict of Interests
The author declares that there is no conflict of interests regarding this research and development.
