Multiscale Stem Cell Technologies for Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head

Figure 4

Schematic diagram of the manufacture and applications of stem cell carriers or scaffolds. (a) Stem cell population selection, extraction, and proliferation. (b) Stem cell pretreatment: (b1) the pretreatment of stem cells induced by cytokines and (b2) the pretreatment of transgenic stem cells. (c) Stem cells loaded on carriers or scaffolds: (c1) material characterization, (c2) stem cell carriers (hundred microns), (c3) stem cell scaffolds (millimeter-sized), and (c4) the pretreated stem cells loaded onto the carrier or scaffold. (d) Delivery of the stem cells loaded onto the carrier or scaffold to the femoral head necrosis area.