Fibronectin-Enriched Biomaterials, Biofunctionalization, and Proactivity: A Review

Abstract

Modern innovation in reconstructive medicine implies the proposition of material-based strategies suitable for tissue repair and regeneration. The development of such systems necessitates the design of advanced materials and the control of their interactions with their surrounding cellular and molecular microenvironments. Biomaterials must actively engage cellular matter to direct and modulate biological responses at implant sites and beyond. Indeed, it is essential that a true dialogue exists between the implanted device and the cells. Biomaterial engineering implies the knowledge and control of cell fate considering the globality of the adhesion process, from initial cell attachment to differentiation. The extracellular matrix (ECM) represents a complex microenvironment able to meet these essential needs to establish a relationship between the material and the contacting cells. The ECM exhibits specific physical, chemical, and biochemical characteristics. Considering the complexity, heterogeneity, and versatility of ECM actors, fibronectin (Fn) has emerged among the ECM protagonists as the most pertinent representative key actor. The following review focuses on and synthesizes the research supporting the potential to use Fn in biomaterial functionalization to mimic the ECM and enhance cell–material interactions.

Fibronectin and Its Applications in Dentistry and Periodontics: A Cell Behaviour Conditioner

“…The simulation results show that FN-III modules can be pre-stretched before encountering the main unfolding barrier by making only a few small adjustments to their tertiary structures [1,8,9].…”

“…Cells literally "feel" the distinctiveness of their surroundings through the integrins and react to important factors including mechanical characteristics. For instance, a lack of stiffness, such as that found in an extremely soft environment, impairs cell adhesion and, as a result, results in a lack of intracellular tension and an ineffective intrinsic signalling system [8]. By alternative splicing, 20 distinct isoforms of the FN protein can be produced from a single pre-mRNA molecule.…”

Expanding the Potential of Self-Assembled Silk Fibroin as Aerogel Particles for Tissue Regeneration

“…The interconnectivity of the pores on the SF-Ap aerogel particles can also be re- Confocal micrographs, performed for the same time periods of cell culture, show a clear increase of the cell number with culture time, correlating well with SEM observations. The presence of FN deposition was investigated since it emerged among the ECM protagonists as the most pertinent representative key actor [53]. In fact, FN is involved in numerous physiological processes-namely, cell adhesion to the ECM-and contributes to phagocytosis regulation, wound healing, cell proliferation, and differentiation [53].…”

Factors Influencing Properties of Spider Silk Coatings and Their Interactions within a Biological Environment

“…Thus, to overcome these issues, multifunctional surface modifications and coatings can be applied to enhance the biocompatibility or bioactivity of such materials [ 3 , 5 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ]. Apart from synthetic coating materials, natural proteins such as silk or the extracellular matrix proteins collagen, laminin or fibronectin show bioactivity and trigger biological responses and cell interactions [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ]. In this context, coatings made of native as well as recombinant spider silk proteins are promising candidates due to their intrinsic properties.…”