This is the first experimental protocol book that covers the differentiation of bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) into specific cell types, targeted at the undergraduate and graduate student level. The 19 chapters deal with the differentiation methods using small molecules, cytokines and polymeric scaffolds.BMSCs are pluripotential in that they not only act as myelo-regenerative and supportive cells, but can also differentiate into almost any kind of cells in our body. In addition, when implanted in vivo, they could help repair multiple tissues such as blood vessels, heart, liver and so on.For the differentiation of BMSCs, many methods have been introduced to adjust their microenvironment (chemical and physical cues), including chemical induction methods using large or small molecules and pellet culture; mechanical stimulation induction methods using cyclic mechano-transduction or ultrasonication; cytokine-released method using scaffolds; and so on.

Tissue engineering has been recognized as offering an alternative technique to whole-organ and tissue transplantation for diseased, failed, or malfunctioned organs. To reconstruct a new tissue via tissue engineering, the following triad components are needed: (1) cells which are harvested and dissociated from the donor tissue; (2) biomaterials as scaffold substrates in which cells are attached and cultured, resulting in implantation at the desired site of the functioning tissue; and (3) growth factors which promote and/or prevent cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Of these three key components, scaffolds play a critical role in tissue engineering. This timely book focuses on the preparation and characterization of scaffold biomaterials for the application of tissue-engineered scaffolds. More importantly, it serves as an experimental guidebook on the standardization of the fabrication process and characterization of scaffolding technology.

Millions of patients suffer from end-stage organ failure or tissue loss annually, and the only solution might be organ and/or tissue transplantation. To avoid poor biocompatibility-related problems and donor organ shortage, however, around 20 years ago a new, hybridized method combining cells and biomaterials was introduced as an alternative to whole-organ and tissue transplantation for diseased, failing, or malfunctioning organs-regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. This handbook focuses on all aspects of intelligent scaffolds, from basic science to industry to clinical applications. Its 10 parts, illustrated throughout with excellent figures, cover stem cell engineering research, drug delivery systems, nanomaterials and nanodevices, and novel and natural biomaterials. The book can be used by advanced undergraduate- and graduate-level students of stem cell and tissue engineering and researchers in macromolecular science, ceramics, metals for biomaterials, nanotechnology, chemistry, biology, and medicine, especially those interested in tissue engineering, stem cell engineering, and regenerative medicine.