Types of Stem Cells and Their Uses in Bioengineering and Medicine

Abstract - Nowadays term “stem cells” is getting more public recognition than ever. The purpose of this article is to give a clear insight on basic information about stem cells. The analysis starts with history, which gives a background to knowledge we possess at the very moment. Presented characterization of each type of the cells, from both physiological and histological point of view, shows capabilities and limitations connected with their way of functioning. Distinction between cells present in young and adult organisms reveals their importance in different stages of life. Numerous places where stem cells can be found, especially in grown up organism, highlights their essential role in proper functioning. Ongoing stem cell research allowed us to induce the cells in laboratories, which opened up new possibilities for using stem cells in therapies and bioengineering. Even though it is only performed experimentally, stem cells may be used to create meat, without the need to breed the animals. Furthermore, soon we may find plant stem cells as an ingredient of skin cosmetics. However, there are still many unknowns when it comes to clinical applications – stem cell - based therapies are slowly becoming more and more possible to apply, giving hope for developing treatments for now untreatable or severe conditions. Yet, there are still many unknowns when it comes to such therapies.