eCM (Eur Cell Mater / e Cells & Materials) eCM Open Access Scientific Journal
 ISSN:1473-2262         NLM:100973416 (link)         DOI:10.22203/eCM

2015   Volume No 29 – pages 213-223

Title: Investigation of orofacial stem cell niches and their innervation through microfluidic devices

Author: P Pagella, E Neto, M Lamghari, TA Mitsiadis

Address: Orofacial Development & Regeneration Division, Institute of Oral Biology, Centre for Dental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Plattenstrasse 11, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland

E-mail: thimios.mitsiadis at zzm.uzh.ch

Key Words: Microfluidics, stem cells, stem cell niches, orofacial regeneration, tooth, innervation, trigeminal ganglia, regenerative medicine.

Publication date: March 20th 2015

Abstract: Stem cell-based mediated therapies represent very promising approaches for tissue regeneration and are already applied with success in clinics. These therapeutic approaches consist of the in vitro manipulation of stem cells and their consequent administration to patients as living and dynamic biological agents. Nevertheless, the deregulation of stem cells function might result in the generation of pathologies such as tumours or accelerated senescence. Moreover, different stem cells sources are needed for regeneration of specific tissues. It is thus fundamental to understand the mechanisms regulating the physiology of stem cells. Microfluidic technology can be used to mimic in vivo scenarios and allow the study of stem cell physiology at both single cell and whole stem cell niche levels.This review focuses on the potential sources of stem and progenitor cells for orofacial regeneration and the use of microfluidic technologies for the study of stem cells behaviour and stem cell niches, in the light of regenerative medicine.

Article download: Pages 213-223 (PDF file)
DOI: 10.22203/eCM.v029a16