abstract |
A composite comprising a stem cell; a biodegradable layer, which can provide an environment for the stem cell to grow and to differentiate, and; a N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm), which can polymerize with the biodegradable layer and possess the temperature-responsive character for easy stripping. This invention also provides a method of treating a subject with a skin defect by covering the composite of the present invention on the skin defect of the subject in need of such treatment. Furthermore, using this composite with different growth factors, stem cells can be induced to differentiate into skin-related, neuronal cells, neuron, and insulin-positive cells in biodegradable scaffolds as well as transplanted graft. Finally, this invention also provides a quick and convenient method of monitoring cell growth or tissue engineering in an animal. |