Abstract: Methods for wound healing or tissue regeneration by means of cell and tissue engineering, including using three-dimensional matrices with cells therein. A three-dimensional matrix, optionally containing cells such as fibroblasts, is inserted Into the wound of a subject. An anti-inflammatory factor may also be used to reduce or suppress the immune response. The wound may be covered to limit exposure to gaseous oxygen, for example, using a membrane. An anticoagulant may also be applied. In addition, cells, such as fibroblasts or stem cells, when cultured within a three-dimensional matrix, under certain conditions, can be induced to form non-fibroblast multipotent cells. When stem cells are cultured in the three-dimensional matrix, at least some of the stem cells remain as stem cells and do not differentiate. Kits for promoting the control of cells within three-dimensional matrices are also disclosed.