Design Parameters of Tissue‐Engineering Scaffolds at the Atomic Scale

Abstract

Stem‐cell behavior is regulated by the material properties of the surrounding extracellular matrix, which has important implications for the design of tissue‐engineering scaffolds. However, our understanding of the material properties of stem‐cell scaffolds is limited to nanoscopic‐to‐macroscopic length scales. Herein, a solid‐state NMR approach is presented that provides atomic‐scale information on complex stem‐cell substrates at near physiological conditions and at natural isotope abundance. Using self‐assembled peptidic scaffolds designed for nervous‐tissue regeneration, we show at atomic scale how scaffold‐assembly degree, mechanics, and homogeneity correlate with favorable stem cell behavior. Integration of solid‐state NMR data with molecular dynamics simulations reveals a highly ordered fibrillar structure as the most favorable stem‐cell scaffold. This could improve the design of tissue‐engineering scaffolds and other self‐assembled biomaterials.

Adaptable hydrogel with reversible linkages for regenerative medicine: Dynamic mechanical microenvironment for cells

“…The limited innate capacity for self-regeneration of human beings caused wide attention to tissue regeneration, and propelled the advances of regenerative medicine which could replace or repair diseased tissue or organs. Despite the inherent challenges, in recent decates, successes in cell and biomateirals for regenerative medicine has led to practical applications like artificial skin [ 1 ], ear-shaped cartilage [ 2 ], bone reconstruction [ 3 , 4 ], nerve regeneration [ 5 ], etc. Furthermore, some commercialized products for stem cell therapy [ [6] , [7] , [8] ] and numerous candidates in clinical trials [ [9] , [10] , [11] ] have been developed.…”