Nanoparticles for stem cells

   June 23/30, 2008
Changing stem cells into specific types of mature cells means administering the right growth factors, which are hormones or other proteins. A test of nanoparticle and microparticle growth factor delivery to human embryoid bodies -- tiny balls of stem cells that can undergo differentiation -- shows that the particles can trigger differentiation while minimally affecting the cells' viability and proliferation.

Stem cells can change into just about any type of cell. Controlling differentiation promises new ways of treat treating diseases and engineering tissue.

Research paper:
Human Embryoid Bodies Containing Nano- and Microparticulate Delivery Vehicles
Advanced Materials, June 18, 2008

Researchers' homepages:
Lino Ferreira
Langer Lab

Related stories and briefs:
Off-the-shelf nanoparticles
Cells prefer stripes


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