Acellular biomaterials in mesenchymal stem cell-mediated endogenous tissue regeneration

The functions of acellular biomaterials have evolved from a space filler and mechanical support to biological tissue replacements that guide endogenous tissue regeneration. Delivery of acellular materials avoids high cost of production and scientific and regulation barriers associated with cellular systems. The advent of tissue specific stem cells and advances in biomaterials have created new opportunities for refining the properties and identifying new applications for the acellular materials. In particular, increasing knowledge of mesenchymal stem cell in vivo identity and their roles in endogenous tissue regeneration has provided a target population of resident tissue stem cells and scientific foundation upon which the material properties can be optimized. This article discusses the progress in tissue-specific stem cells, their role in endogenous tissue repair, and methods that direct resident MSC migration and differentiation. These concepts are then discussed in the case of guided tissue regeneration to highlight the application and challenges of acellular biomaterials in clinical applications.