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Updated: Mar 26, 2026
Creation and Transplantation of an Adipose-derived Stem Cell ASC Sheet in a Diabetic Wound-healing Model
Published on: August 4, 2017
Adult Stem Cell Therapies for Wound Healing: Biomaterials and Computational Models
Daniele Tartarini1, Elisa Mele2
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Insigneo Institute for in silico Medicine, University of Sheffield , Sheffield , UK.
Abstract:
The increased incidence of diabetes and tumors, associated with global demographic issues (aging and life styles), has pointed out the importance to develop new strategies for the effective management of skin wounds. Individuals affected by these diseases are in fact highly exposed to the risk of delayed healing of the injured tissue that typically leads to a pathological inflammatory state and consequently to chronic wounds. Therapies based on stem cells (SCs) have been proposed for the treatment of these wounds, thanks to the ability of SCs to self-renew and specifically differentiate in response to the target bimolecular environment. Here, we discuss how advanced biomedical devices can be developed by combining SCs with properly engineered biomaterials and computational models. Examples include composite skin substitutes and bioactive dressings with controlled porosity and surface topography for controlling the infiltration and differentiation of the cells. In this scenario, mathematical frameworks for the simulation of cell population growth can provide support for the design of bioconstructs, reducing the need of expensive, time-consuming, and ethically controversial animal experimentation.
Insights
Developing advanced biomedical devices combining stem cells (SCs) with biomaterials and computational models offers new strategies for effective skin wound management. This approach aids in designing better bioconstructs, reducing reliance on animal testing for chronic wound healing.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Computational Biology
Background:
- Rising incidence of diabetes and tumors, linked to aging and lifestyle, increases chronic skin wound prevalence.
- Delayed healing in these patients leads to pathological inflammation and chronic wounds.
- Stem cell (SC) therapies show promise due to SCs' self-renewal and differentiation capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the development of advanced biomedical devices for effective skin wound management.
- To discuss the integration of stem cells, biomaterials, and computational models in wound healing strategies.
- To highlight the potential of computational models in designing improved bioconstructs.
Main Methods:
- Combining stem cells with engineered biomaterials to create composite skin substitutes and bioactive dressings.
- Utilizing biomaterials with controlled porosity and surface topography to guide cell infiltration and differentiation.
- Employing mathematical frameworks to simulate cell population growth for bioconstruct design.
Main Results:
- Advanced biomedical devices can be engineered by integrating stem cells with tailored biomaterials.
- Controlled biomaterial properties (porosity, topography) influence cell behavior crucial for wound healing.
- Computational models can simulate cell growth, aiding in the design of effective bioconstructs.
Conclusions:
- Integrating stem cells, biomaterials, and computational modeling offers a promising strategy for chronic wound healing.
- This interdisciplinary approach facilitates the design of advanced wound management devices.
- Computational simulations can reduce the need for animal testing in the development of regenerative therapies.
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