Electrospun scaffolds for stem cell engineering

Stem cells interact with and respond to a myriad of signals emanating from their extracellular microenvironment. The ability to harness the regenerative potential of stem cells via a synthetic matrix has promising implications for regenerative medicine. Electrospun fibrous scaffolds can be prepared with high degree of control over their structure creating highly porous meshes of ultrafine fibers that resemble the extracellular matrix topography, and are amenable to various functional modifications targeted towards enhancing stem cell survival and proliferation, directing specific stem cell fates, or promoting tissue organization. The feasibility of using such a scaffold platform to present integrated topographical and biochemical signals that are essential to stem cell manipulation has been demonstrated. Future application of this versatile scaffold platform to human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells for functional tissue repair and regeneration will further expand its potential for regenerative therapies. (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.