Engineered materials and the cellular microenvironment: a strengthening interface between cell biology and bioengineering.
Cells constantly probe and respond to a myriad of cues that are present in their local surroundings. The effects of soluble cues are relatively straightforward to manipulate, yet teasing apart how cells transduce signals from the extracellular matrix and neighboring cells has proven to be challenging due to the spatially and mechanically complex adhesive interactions. Over the years, advances in the engineering of biocompatible materials have enabled innovative ways to study adhesion-mediated cell functions, and numerous insights have elucidated the significance of the cellular microenvironment. Here, we highlight some of the major approaches and discuss the potential for future advancement.
Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Colin K
CK
Choi
Mark T
MT
Breckenridge
Christopher S
CS
Chen
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D057005:Bioengineering; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D003585:Cell Biology; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans
D001672:Biocompatible Materials