Polymeric scaffold aided stem cell therapeutics for cardiac muscle repair and regeneration

The constantly expanding repository of novel polymers and stem cells has opened up new vistas in the field of cardiac tissue engineering. Successful regeneration of the complex cardiac tissue mainly centres on the appropriate scaffold material with topographical features that mimic the native environment. The integration of stem cells on these scaffolds is expected to enhance the regeneration potential. This review elaborates on the interplay of these vital factors in achieving the functional cardiac tissue. The recent advances in polymers, nanocomposites, and stem cells from different sources are highlighted. Special emphasis is laid on the clinical trials involving stem cells and the state-of-the-art materials to obtain a balanced perspective on the translational potential of this strategy.