Multifunctional cell-instructive materials for tissue regeneration

Current approaches in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have focused on controlling the presentation of various factors that influence cellular behavior and tissue formation. Numerous biomaterials have been utilized as sites for new tissue growth by migrating or transplanted cells, nanoscale control of cellular behavior through the presentation of specific peptide sequences, and depots for growth factor release. More recently, the development of bioresponsive materials has emerged as a promising approach to cede control of temporal macromolecule presentation and material degradation to invading cell populations. Biomaterials now have the potential of possessing multiple functions in the process of tissue regeneration. This review summarizes some of the recent advances in the use of multifunctional biomaterials in the arena of tissue engineering. Specifically, the potential of various materials is described as it pertains to the control of cellular behavior, integration of engineered materials with host or transplanted tissue, and inductive factor presentation.