Fig. 5
From: Constructing a cell microenvironment with biomaterial scaffolds for stem cell therapy
Controlled release of small molecules, growth factors, and proteins. Control release systems can be considered an effective way to modulate stem cell behavior. a The utilization of NO-releasing hydrogels to support stem cell delivery through the control of NO generation can upregulate the expression of endothelial cell-like phenotypes, such as VEGFA, bFGF, ANG1, ANG2, and then significantly facilitate neovascularization in mouse with ischemic hindlimb [109]; b Injectable GMs were employed to deliver growth factors and as vehicles of stem cells, which can promote cell differentiation into nucleus pulposus (NP)-like gene markers of COL2, ACAN, Krt19, CD24, determining a promising approach for the in vivo treatment of rat degenerative disc disease [111]; c The PLGA and SL deliver system were designed to control the release of BMP-2, and then applied the platform to build a suitable microenvironment for stem cell culture. In this culture system, stem cell matrix mineralization abilities were detected, and osteogenic cell-related gene expression of COL-1, OCN, OPN, and RUNX2 was demonstrated, indicating the potential of the engineered platform for bone tissue regeneration [110]