2 research outputs found

    Biomimicry: Natural topographies to control cell behaviour

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    The use of material properties to guide cell behaviour is often utilised in the field of regenerative medicine. Regarding this, surface topography has been shown to control different cellular processes. In nature, topographies exist in a wide variety of shapes, including hierarchical structures with a great degree of surface roughness. Here, inspired by nature, the potential of such surface characteristics in guiding cell behaviour was investigated via replication of 32 natural surfaces onto polystyrene using hot embossing techniques. Fluorescent image analysis of bone marrow-derived human mesenchymal stem cells cultured on these surfaces showed that cell shape was greatly affected by the distinct topographical features compared to a flat surface. Cluster analysis identified groups showing similar effect on nuclear and cell morphological parameter such as size, orientation and compactness. Related to this, focal adhesion formation and organisation was highly dependent on surface topography. Namely, focal adhesion maturation was promoted on the natural topographies. Furthermore, mouse embryonic stem cell pluripotency and colony morphology was influenced by natural topographies. Finally, natural topographies modulated in vitro mesenchymal stem cell differentiation. This study shows the capability of natural topographies to regulate cell behaviour useful for regenerative applications

    Natural architectures for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine

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    The ability to control the interactions between functional biomaterials and biological systems is of great importance for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. However, the underlying mechanisms defining the interplay between biomaterial properties and the human body are complex. Therefore, a key challenge is to design biomaterials that mimic the in vivo microenvironment. Over millions of years, nature has produced a wide variety of biological materials optimised for distinct functions, ranging from the extracellular matrix (ECM) for structural and biochemical support of cells to the holy lotus with special wettability for self-cleaning effects. Many of these systems found in biology possess unique surface properties recognised to regulate cell behaviour. Integration of such natural surface properties in biomaterials can bring about novel cell responses in vitro and provide greater insights into the processes occurring at the cell-biomaterial interface. Using natural surfaces as templates for bioinspired design can stimulate progress in the field of regenerative medicine, tissue engineering and biomaterials science. This literature review aims to combine the state-of-the-art knowledge in natural and nature-inspired surfaces, with an emphasis on material properties known to affect cell behaviour.Biomaterials & Tissue Biomechanic
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