Architectural Design of Biomaterial Scaffolds for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Culture

Recently, biomaterials have been developed for ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). HSCs exist in highly specialized niches in the bone marrow and are extremely sensitive to their microenvironment; therefore, this review focuses on the architecture of biomaterials and its effects on HSC culture. Herein, we describe the chemical and physical components of the HSC's niche that can be used to inform the design of biomaterials. We then summarize the effects of surface topography, structural properties, and chemical composition of biomaterials on HSC culture. Subsequently, we identify the gaps and challenges in HSC culture, informing the potential future directions that studying HSC culture on biomaterials can take.