Stem cells bioprocessing: an important milestone to move regenerative medicine research into the clinical arena

Abstract

Regenerative Medicine is a new, multidisciplinary field that combines expertise in biology, chemistry, engineering, materials, and medicine, to find solutions to some of the most challenging medical problems faced by humankind. Regenerative Medicine has the potential to impact the whole spectrum of health care, such as heart disease, emphysema, and diabetes. Regenerative Medicine employs various combinations of specially grown cells, tissues, and laboratory-made compounds to replace or amplify the body's natural healing process. The impact of Regenerative Medicine to the health care industry is likely to be comparable with that of antibiotics, vaccines and lately, monoclonal antibodies have had in clinical care. Regenerative Medicine is growing and maturing steadily; however, many challenges lie ahead. These include best cell source, most appropriate biomaterials, and reliable ways of expanding the cells and growing them in a three-dimensional environment (stem cell bioprocessing). This concise review deals with current achievements in the field, challenges that lie ahead and potential ways of having robust and reliable "off the shelf" cellular products.