Tissue engineering aims to develop biological substitutes that restore, maintain, or improve damaged tissue and organ functionality. To date, numerous stem cells and biomaterials have been explored for a variety of tissue and organ regeneration. The challenge for existing stem cell–based techniques is that current therapies lack controlled environments that are crucial for regulating stem cell engraftment and differentiation in vivo, because stem cells are rather sensitive to even minute changes in their environment. Micro- and nanotechnology hold great potential to fabricate biomimetic spatiotemporally controlled scaffolds as well as control stem cell behavior and fate by micro- and nanoscale cues.
This book presents the latest micro- and nanotechnologies used to manipulate stem cell behaviors, which is a critical area for regenerative medicine. Moreover, it covers and details cutting-edge research in nano- and microfabrication techniques and biomaterials for the regeneration of various tissues and organs, such as bone, cartilage, craniofacial, osteochondral, muscle, bladder, cardiac, and vascular tissues.
