Abstract
The differentiation of stem cells into functional insulin-producing beta (β) cells is a promising strategy in regenerative medicine, particularly in addressing the increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus. Among the various strategies investigated for guiding stem cell differentiation, photobiomodulation (PBM) has emerged as an innovative approach to enhance the differentiation efficiency of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) into functional insulin-producing β cells. Photobiomodulation involves the use of specific wavelengths of light to regulate cellular activity, offering advantages such as non-invasive modulation of signalling pathways and potential improvements in differentiation efficiency. This review focuses on how PBM can facilitate the differentiation of ADSCs into functional insulin-producing β cells. While other factors such as growth factors, extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions, and genetic modifications also play a role in β-cell development, they are only discussed in relation to their impact on PBM processes. By refining the scope, this review aims to provide the utility of PBM technique in differentiation of ADSCs into functional insulin-producing β cells within three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems and its potential clinical applications. We delve into the mechanisms of β cell differentiation, highlighting the pivotal role of key signalling pathways and cellular processes involved, influence of PBM on signalling pathways involved in β-cell differentiation, and emerging findings from preclinical research. Additionally, we discuss the 3D culture systems including the importance of 3D culture system in stem cell differentiation and various 3D culture techniques for β cell differentiation. Furthermore, we assess the current challenges and limitations in this field, such as scalability and clinical translation, explore future possibilities for incorporating PBM-based techniques into clinical practice and propose potential avenues for future research to overcome these hurdles. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the promising role of PBM in generating functional insulin-producing β cells from ADSCs, paving way for novel therapeutic strategies in diabetes treatment.