Industry updates from the field of stem cell research and regenerative medicine in October 2021

Latest developments in the field of stem cell research and regenerative medicine compiled from publicly available information and press releases from nonacademic institutions in October 2021.

論胚胎的道德地位——儒家倫理的視角

LANGUAGE NOTE | Document text in Chinese; abstract also in English. For 40 years, international rules have limited human embryo research to the first 14 days of embryonic development. On May 26, 2021, in its latest guidelines for stem cell research and its medical applications, the International Society for Stem Cell Research eased the 14-day restriction. This raises myriad ethical issues. At their core is the debate over the moral status of embryos, which exposes ethical conflicts between cultural perspectives. This article discusses the moral status of embryos and argues from the perspective of Confucian ethics that the 14-day limit should not be waived at the present moment.

Creative regulatory practices to develop stem-cell technology: the way forward for Malaysia

Malaysia aspires to develop regenerative medicine through stem-cell technology. It needs a regulatory system that could facilitate development and prevent unethical practices. A comparative legal analysis on the regulation of stem-cell technology, with a focus on stem-cell research in Malaysia and selected Commonwealth countries that are experienced in regulating this complex technology, demonstrates that the selected Commonwealth countries have adopted a hybrid of different regulatory mechanisms. This paper argues that Malaysia should consider adopting a similar approach to equip relevant authorities with different regulatory mechanisms that are able to promote innovation in stem-cell research activities and cultivate a successful and profitable regenerative medicine industry in the future. Such a strategic action can produce an optimal regulatory outcome and help Malaysia to realize its aspiration.

Application of Nanomaterials in Regulating the Fate of Adipose-derived Stem Cells

Adipose-derived stem cells are adult stem cells which are easy to obtain and multi-potent. Stem-cell therapy has become a promising new treatment for many diseases, and plays an increasingly important role in the field of tissue repair, regeneration and reconstruction. The physicochemical properties of the extracellular microenvironment contribute to the regulation of the fate of stem cells. Nanomaterials have stable particle size, large specific surface area and good biocompatibility, which has led them being recognized as having broad application prospects in the field of biomedicine. In this paper, we review recent developments of nanomaterials in adipose-derived stem cell research. Taken together, the current literature indicates that nanomaterials can regulate the proliferation and differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells. However, the properties and regulatory effects of nanomaterials can vary widely depending on their composition. This review aims to provide a comprehensive guide for future stem-cell research on the use of nanomaterials.