[Techniques for functional tissue and organ replacement using postnatal stem cells].

Postnatal stem cells play a decisive role in cell-based therapies due to their high proliferation activity and functional plasticity. On the one hand, basic research in cell biological processes of adult stem cells is crucial in order to establish them as therapeutic tools. On the other hand, development and enhancements of appropriate techniques are required: we need to establish defined technologies for extraction and differentiation of stem cells and to develop adequate cell carrier devices, scaffolds, and bioreactors for in vitro purposes. Furthermore, it is an interdisciplinary challenge to consider logistical aspects concerning isolation, transport, and storage of stem cells in order to use them in a wide range of activities in regenerative medicine. In this review we present the current methods of work and research on adult stem cells. We explain their therapeutic use and define requirements for future technological developments for work with postnatal stem cells.