Albumin is a constitutional plasma protein, with well-known biological functions,
e.g., a nutrient for stem cells in culture. However, albumin is underutilized as a
biomaterial in regenerative medicine. This review summarizes the advanced therapeutic
uses of albumin, focusing on novel compositions that take advantage of the excellent
regenerative potential of this protein. Albumin coating can be used for enhancing
the biocompatibility of various types of implants, such as bone grafts or sutures.
Albumin is mainly known as an anti-attachment protein; however, using it on implantable
surfaces is just the opposite: it enhances stem cell adhesion and proliferation. The
anticoagulant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of albumin allow fine-tuning
of the biological reaction to implantable tissue-engineering constructs. Another potential
use is combining albumin with natural or synthetic materials that results in novel
composites suitable for cardiac, neural, hard and soft tissue engineering. Recent
advances in materials have made it possible to electrospin the globular albumin protein,
opening up new possibilities for albumin-based scaffolds for cell therapy. Several
described technologies have already entered the clinical phase, making good use of
the excellent biological, but also regulatory, manufacturing and clinical features
of serum albumin.
