Extracellular Matrix-Based Biohybrid Materials for Engineering Compliant, Matrix-Dense Tissues.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Ideal tissue engineering scaffolds actively promote site-appropriate tissue formation and constructive remodeling.
• Extracellular matrix (ECM)-derived proteins offer superior cellular recognition, guiding cellular responses for tissue remodeling.
• ECM-only materials often exhibit rapid degradation or insufficient mechanical strength for matrix-dense tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on biohybrid materials that integrate polymer components with ECM-derived proteins.
• To develop substrates with tailored mechanical properties, degradation rates, and active tissue remodeling guidance.
• To explore fabrication methods for creating versatile tissue engineering scaffolds.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of biohybrid materials via four methods: woven fibers, bilayer structures, cell-built ECM on polymer, and hydrogel composites.
• Incorporation of ECM-derived proteins with synthetic or natural polymers.
• In vivo testing in injury models to evaluate scaffold performance and host response.

Main Results:

• Biohybrid scaffolds demonstrated suitability for various tissue types based on fabrication method.
• In vivo studies showed progressive tissue remodeling in injury models.
• ECM-based biohybrid materials elicited a prohealing immune response compared to single-component materials.

Conclusions:

• Biohybrid materials offer a promising strategy for advanced tissue engineering scaffolds.
• These materials actively guide tissue remodeling and promote a beneficial host immune response.
• The prohealing immune response is linked to long-term implant success and host maintenance.