Combination of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering; Scaffolds.

Lee,  Hee Young

Review

Journal of the Korean Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 2009;15(3):199-203.
Published online October 1, 2009.

Combination of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering; Scaffolds.

Hee Young Lee

Kangnam Plastic Surgery, Seoul, Korea. pslhy@medimail.co.kr

Abstract

Scaffold is a representative word in tissue engineering. Also, it is very important in stem cell research because it is an essential factor. It can stimulate proliferation, and induce differentiation, thus being regarded as one of the strongest influencing factor. Scaffolds are 3-D structure composed with biocompatible polymers on which cells attach and grow. For an optimal environment, scaffolds would contain almost all the cellular environments, including growth factors. Presently, scaffolds are combined with drug, and cells as a composite environment. Scaffolds can be used as effective implants because they induce stem cells and replace initial volume with regenerated tissues, similar to permanent autogenous graft.

Key Words: Tissue scaffolds, Stem cells, Polymers

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