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Related Concept Videos

The Extracellular Matrix01:29

The Extracellular Matrix

Overview
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
The Extracellular Matrix01:42

The Extracellular Matrix

Overview
Extracellular Matrix01:26

Extracellular Matrix

Unlike epithelial tissue, which is composed of cells closely packed with little or no extracellular space in between, connective tissue cells are dispersed in a matrix. This extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of fibrous proteins like collagen, elastin, and fibronectin in a ground substance consisting of interstitial fluid, cell adhesion proteins, and proteoglycans. The proteoglycans form a gel-like material in the spaces between cells and provide hydration, buffering, binding, and force...
Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces01:13

Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces

In animal cells, the extracellular matrix allows cells within tissues to withstand external stresses and transmits signals from the outside of the cell to the inside. The extracellular matrix is extensive, and its composition varies between different types of tissues. For example, the reticular fibers and ground substance make up the ECM in loose connective tissue, while collagen and bone minerals make up the ECM of bone tissue. 
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions01:24

Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions

The extracellular matrix or ECM holds cells together to form a tissue and allows the cells within the tissue to communicate. ECM comprises proteins such as fibronectin, collagen, laminin, etc. The most abundant protein in this space is collagen. Collagen fibers are interwoven with carbohydrate-containing protein molecules called proteoglycans. ECM allows cell migration and provides a structural scaffold at cell adhesion that anchors the cell when the extracellular matrix proteins interact with...

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Production of Extracellular Matrix Fibers via Sacrificial Hollow Fiber Membrane Cell Culture
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Microstructured extracellular matrices in tissue engineering and development: an update.

Joe Tien1, Celeste M Nelson

  • 1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, 44 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA, jtien@bu.edu.

Annals of Biomedical Engineering
|September 14, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Microstructured extracellular matrix (ECM) offers new avenues for tissue engineering and biological studies. This review covers ECM generation methods, recent applications, and computational optimization techniques for functional tissue development.

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Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Tissue Engineering
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Microstructured extracellular matrix (ECM) exhibits heterogeneous features (5-100 μm) comparable to tissue organoids.
  • ECM's unique architecture is crucial for developing functional tissues and understanding tissue-level biology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review methods for generating microstructured ECM.
  • To highlight recent advancements in applying microstructured ECM in biological research.
  • To discuss computational approaches for optimizing ECM microstructures.

Main Methods:

  • Review of established and novel techniques for ECM fabrication.
  • Analysis of case studies demonstrating microstructured ECM applications.
  • Exploration of computational modeling and simulation for ECM pattern optimization.

Main Results:

  • Microstructured ECM facilitates advanced tissue engineering and biological investigations.
  • Diverse applications span regenerative medicine, disease modeling, and fundamental biological studies.
  • Computational methods enable precise control over ECM properties for tailored functional outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Microstructured ECM is a versatile platform for tissue engineering and biological research.
  • Integration of fabrication and computational methods drives innovation in ECM-based applications.
  • Future directions involve further refinement of microstructuring techniques and computational tools for enhanced functional tissue development.