Temperature-responsive cell culture surfaces for regenerative medicine with cell sheet engineering

We have developed a novel strategy for regenerative medicine to recover tissue functions by using temperature-responsive cell culture surfaces. To overcome the limits of conventional methods such as the use of single-cell suspension injection and the use of biodegradable polymer scaffolds, we have applied transplantable cell sheets fabricated with temperature-responsive culture surfaces for cell delivery. Here, we summarize the development of the next generation of temperature-responsive cell culture surfaces using modifications of the polymer coating to allow for rapid cell sheet recovery; improved culture conditions, such that animal-derived products can be eliminated; and altered phase transition temperatures to produce patterned cell sheets. These designs allow for the reconstruction of more complex tissues to potentially treat a wide range of diseases.