
New injectable hydrogel may improve stem cell uptake
The use of stem cells in regenerative medicine remains a challenging task because of problems associated with the survival of transplanted cells. Stem cells, when transplanted on a wound site, release chemicals called paracrine factors which stimulate other cells in the vicinity to initiate tissue regrowth. A group of Indian scientists has developed an injectable hydrogel that can help transplanted stem cells survive longer.
Researchers from the Mohali-based Institute of NanoScience and Technology have devised a method to encapsulate adult stem cells called Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC) in an injectable hydrogel. In preliminary studies, it has been found that the hydrogel exhibits cell viability and can support long-term survival of stem cells.
The injectable hydrogel has been derive...