title: Self-assembled monolayers and nanocomposite hydrogels of functional nanomaterials for tissue engineering applications.
abstract: In biotechnology, SAMs and NC hydrogels of functional nanomaterials are of high interest as 2D and 3D cell culture systems, respectively, to mimic natural ECM and to control cell behaviors. Advanced biotechnological approaches often use nanoscale topography together with suitable surface functionalization, as a model of ECM, to control cell behaviors and tissue formation. SAMs of NMs are effective ECM models as 2D surfaces due to their larger nanostructured surface areas which provide higher molecular density by functionalization on a planar substrate than molecular SAMs. Additionally, NC hydrogels, produced by cross-linking of organic polymers with NMs, are excellent candidates as 3D cell culture systems owing to their optical, cell-compatibility and the extraordinary mechanical properties.
authors.affiliation: Physikalisches Institut and Center for Nanotechnology, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Heisenbergstrasse 11, D-48149, Münster, Germany. seda@uni-muenster.de.
authors.forename: Nermin Seda
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Kehr
authors.forename: Seda
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Atay
authors.forename: Bahar
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ergün
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000737:chemistry*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D053761:Nanocomposites / Q000737:chemistry; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry; D013499:Surface Properties; D023822:Tissue Engineering
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D020100:Hydrogels
keywords: biomaterials; nanocomposite hydrogels; nanomaterials; self-assembled monolayers; tissue engineering