What is the future scope of stem cell therapy?
Stem cell therapy has tremendous scope in field of regenerative medicine for the future. Stem cells have marked its presence in the medical world by demonstrating its healing potential for degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, autism, cerebral palsy, cardiac diseases, organ damage or infertility. It has cured diseases that were earlier untreatable with conventional medicine. The therapy has been scientifically backed by several research papers and also demonstrated safety and efficacy. Not only is research focusing on adult stem cells or mesenchymal stem cells but also fetal origin or embryonic stem cells. There is constant search to exploit regenerative capabilities of stem cell technology.
One of the future scopes in stem cell research is bio-engineering of organs. With advancements in tissue engineering, it is now becoming possible to generate scaffolds of biologically compatible materials that can contain these stem cells. This could open up avenues for artificial organ generation. Techniques like bioprinting are being applied to create structures that mimic the native environment as well as mechanical and other properties of an organ. This can be beneficial for thousands of patients in requirement of a donor organ. Stem cells are isolated from the patient through a minimally invasive, pain-free procedure. These are cultured in a sterile cell culture laboratory for expansion and purification. The resultant stem cells are infused back into the patient at an appropriate site. Bioengineering will ensure that these stem cells are retained at the site for maximum duration and number to enhance its efficacy. Stem cells will be grown on scaffold materials which can be implanted directly on patients.
Another huge potential is application of stem cells for anti-aging therapies. It is not necessary that stem cells benefit only diseased or injured patients. Stem cells can help in reversing the aging process in a healthy individual as well and enhance their aesthetic appearance. Stem cell treatments combined with PRP or platelet-rich plasma technology have been shown to visibly reduce appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation thus bringing a natural glow to the skin. Apart from facial skin, hair loss can be treated for male pattern baldness or other diseases.
Cosmetic Dentistry is another avenue that is slowly becoming popular. Whether is jawline reconstruction or tooth implantation, stem cells help in bone and cartilage regeneration as well as their integration into jaw to give a smile makeover.
The day is not far when advancements in stem cell therapy will replace the need for major surgeries. With constant research and clinical trials, the field is evolving at an exponential rate.
