Bioengineering of novel 3D scaffolds for cell-based therapy in heart failure and diabetes mellitus

Stem cells and regenerative medicine offer promising treatment modalities. Injection of cells alone into damaged tissue lacks long-term effectiveness. Therefore, we bioengineered 3D matrices that can hold cells and enhance cell survival while improving long-term blood vessel growth to supply the cells. Implantation of matrix plus stem cells into heart muscle improved heart function following heart attack, and transplantation of cells held by matrices cured diabetes mellitus, in disease models. The research further revealed that specialized T-cell therapy could prevent kidney transplant rejection without the need for toxic drugs. In summary, we have successfully conducted bioengineering strategies to treat major human diseases.