Extracellular Matrix Revisited: Roles in Tissue Engineering

Abstract

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a heterogeneous, connective network composed of fibrous glycoproteins that coordinate in vivo to provide the physical scaffolding, mechanical stability, and biochemical cues necessary for tissue morphogenesis and homeostasis. This review highlights some of the recently raised aspects of the roles of the ECM as related to the fields of biophysics and biomedical engineering. Fundamental aspects of focus include the role of the ECM as a basic cellular structure, for novel spontaneous network formation, as an ideal scaffold in tissue engineering, and its essential contribution to cell sheet technology. As these technologies move from the laboratory to clinical practice, they are bound to shape the vast field of tissue engineering for medical transplantations.

Plasma surface functionalization of biodegradable electrospun scaffolds for tissue engineering applications

“…The cells contain a polymeric network of microtubules, actin and intermediate filaments structurally organized to generate pushing and pulling forces able to move the cells. The interaction between this network and the ECM fibrous network causes a spontaneous succession of depolymerization and polymerization of the cytoskeletal fibers leading to a coordinated cellular motility [6]. The functional role of the ECM, provided by the nonstop cross-talk between cells and biochemical cues of the ECM effectors, can be supported by the highly cell and tissue specific ECM composition that is diverse throughout the body.…”

“…Therefore, natural and synthetic biodegradable polymers have gained a widespread interest in the TE field since they are chosen to be the basic materials for the fabrication of most of the scaffolds. The selection of appropriate polymers is important in every specific application since their degradation rate should coincide with the tissue regeneration rate to support but also provide room for tissue formation and neovascularization [6,7].…”

A Versatile Biosynthetic Hydrogel Platform for Engineering of Tissue Analogues

“…The ECM is ascribed a crucial role in regulating the development, function, and homeostasis of residing cells . Hence, an ideal scaffold material for engineering of tissues outside the human body will be one that mimics the natural architecture of the targeted tissue, which remains a significant challenge with the current technology …”

Surface Functionalization of PTFE Membranes Intended for Guided Bone Regeneration Using Recombinant Spider Silk

“…Recently, it has also been reported that the rigidity of a substrate influences cytoskeletal rearrangement in polarized cells, ultimately affecting cellular growth. 31 Hence, a material able to both mechanically and biologically modify a polymeric surface in order to promote cellular growth is important in tissue integration applications. The 4RepCT silk protein fused with cell adhesion motifs drastically increased proliferation of the various cell lines studied previously.…”