Novel Strategies for the Improvement of Stem Cells’ Transplantation in Degenerative Retinal Diseases

Figure 1

Schematic representation of stem cell transplantation strategies in degenerative retinal diseases. Embryonic stem cells (ESC), mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) may be administered as undifferentiated cells (intravitreal or subretinal administration). Growth factors or other regulatory biomolecules are designed to determine the differentiation of stem cells into retinal progenitor cells or may be administered directly into the eye, to induce differentiation of resident stem cells. Another possible strategy consists of predifferentiation of stem cells under the influence of growth factors, followed by their intraocular transplantation. The conjugated biomolecules (nanoparticles and growth factors) may be administered directly into the eye but also incorporated by the stem cells, a strategy that could accelerate the differentiation process. Biomaterials, implants, and cell delivery scaffolds functionalized with nanoparticles offer the potential to develop biomedical devices, such as biosensors, bioimaging applications, photothermal therapy, and targeted drug delivery.