Innovative Diagnostics and Treatment: Nanorobotics and Stem Cells

Novel strategies are developed to optimize MSC function. Among them genetic modification is a promising solution to improve cell survival/engraftment after transplantation as well as to enhance cardioprotective function. Following genetic modification are described: Bcl-2, CREG, Hsp20, Akt, PI3K-2α, ILK, periostin, CXCR4, TNFR, Ang1, VEGF, Wnt11. HO-1, GSK-3β, IGF-1, SDF-1, GATA-4. Pharmacological optimization or preconditioned media are also investigated to overcome current limitation in stem cell therapy. Pharmacological agent pretreatment strategy covered in this chapter includes application of diazoxide, estradiol, lysophosphatidic acid, lovastatin, oxytocin, phorbol myristate acetate, tadalafil, trimetazidine. Cytokine and growth factor pretreatment discussed below includes stromal-derived factor 1 alpha, angiopoietin-1, insulin-like growth factor-1, transforming growth factor-α, bone morphogenetic protein-2, fibroblast growth factor-2 and insulin-like growth factor-1 cocktail, interleukin-1β and transforming growth factor-β combination. Moreover, application of including injectable hydrogels are presented including cell containing injectable biomaterials, acellular scaffolds with incorporated bio-agents, and co-application of cells and bio-agents

Application of nanorobotic agents is one of the most-promising perspective for future development and progress in medicine. Molecular machines gain significant attention with an ultimate goal to create a theranostic platform interacting with biological system and being able to perform atomic-level tasks. Such concept requires advanced technological approach i.e. design and assembly techniques, in vivo real-time navigation system, sensing methods as well as data transfer. Currently, both artificial (carbon nanotubes) and biological (DNA, proteins, bacteria) components are investigated as a building blocks of nanobots. This chapter presents advancements in nanorobotic agents biomedical application.