Future Research Directions in the Design of Versatile Extracellular Matrix in Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Native and artificial extracellular matrices (ECMs) have been widely applied in biomedical fields as one of the most effective components in tissue regeneration. In particular, ECM-based drugs are expected to be applied to treat diseases in organs relevant to urology, because tissue regeneration is particularly important for preventing the recurrence of these diseases. Native ECMs provide a complex in vivo architecture and native physical and mechanical properties that support high biocompatibility. However, the applications of native ECMs are limited due to their tissue-specificity and chemical complexity. Artificial ECMs have been fabricated in an attempt to create a broadly applicable scaffold by using controllable components and a uniform formulation. On the other hands, artificial ECMs fail to mimic the properties of a native ECM; consequently, their applications in tissues are also limited. For that reason, the design of a versatile, hybrid ECM that can be universally applied to various tissues is an emerging area of interest in the biomedical field.

Graphene Oxide–Protein-Based Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering: Recent Advances and Applications

“…To date, 16 different laminin isoforms have been found, with distinctive expression patterns across tissue types and developmental stages [63]. Since this protein has various isoforms in each tissue, incorporating an integrated laminin isoform into the scaffold has been considered a strategy for overcoming the artificial matrix's diversity [64]. In addition, small peptide sequences derived from laminin have been extensively investigated as an alternative to full-length laminin for conferring bioactivity to 3D matrices.…”

Recent Advances in Regenerative Tissue Fabrication: Tools, Materials, and Microenvironment in Hierarchical Aspects

“…In tissue engineering, this biophysical response is increased by selecting a biomaterial with an appropriate chemical composition for scaffold fabrication, by modifying incorporated biological constituents, and/or by using the mechanical properties of the scaffold, such as its geometry, stiffness, and topography. Cutting‐edge work on scaffold development addresses the fabrication of a controllable multicomponent structure that mimics a biological cell‐derived scaffold [ 209 ] to support cell growth and control differentiation. Therefore, controlling all those factors to achieve the desired goal is crucial in tissue engineering.…”

Cancer Stem Cell Microenvironment Models with Biomaterial Scaffolds In Vitro

“…For example, Malinoff et al reported the discovery of the LM receptor known as 67KD, through which cancer cells bind to the LM adhering to the collagen matrix resulting in the promotion of metastasis [69,70]. Due to the binding capabilities and affinity to cells, LM is often used in the construction of 3D scaffolds to improve the artificial matrices [71]. When used in cell culture as a scaffold, LM could maintain stemness or support cell differentiation, growth, and migration depending on the subtypes [72,73].…”

“…In the presence of calcium ions, the solution of alginate extracted from brown seaweed forms a gel that supports cell viability in long-term culture [71,89]. Moreover, alginate is used as a common bio-ink material in 3D bioprinting and has many applications in drug screening and regenerative medicine [90][91][92][93].…”