Potential of Cell Surface Engineering with Biocompatible Polymers for Biomedical Applications.

The regulation of the cellular surface with biomaterials can contribute to the progress of biomedical applications. In particular, the cell surface is exposed to immunological surveillance and reactions in transplantation therapy, and modulation of cell surface properties might improve transplantation outcomes. The transplantation of therapeutic cells, tissue, and organs is an effective and fundamental treatment and has contributed to saving lives and improving quality of life. Because of shortages, donor cells, tissues, and organs are carefully transplanted with the goal of retaining activity and viability. However, some issues remain to be resolved in terms of reducing side effects, improving graft survival, managing innate and adaptive immune responses, and improving transplant storage and procedures. Given that the transplantation process involves multiple steps and is technically complicated, an engineering approach together with medical approaches to resolving these issues could enhance success. In particular, cell surface engineering with biocompatible polymers looks promising for improving transplantation therapy and has potential for other biomedical applications. Here we review the significance of polymer-based surface modification of cells and organs for biomedical applications, focusing on the following three topics: