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Updated: Feb 10, 2026

Synthesis of Biocompatible Liquid Crystal Elastomer Foams as Cell Scaffolds for 3D Spatial Cell Cultures
Published on: April 11, 2017
Advances in Cell Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering: The Value of Liquid Crystalline Elastomers
Daniele Martella1,2, Camilla Parmeggiani1,2
1Chemistry Department "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
Abstract:
Recent discoveries evidenced that many cells organize into well-aligned nematic domains, showing also their topological defects and suggesting the liquid crystalline order to be necessary for some biological functions. These evidences were described as the basis for the development of a new area of research in which polymeric liquid crystals were developed to exploit and promote cell adhesion and proliferation towards tissue regeneration. To address the requirements of tissue engineering, new biocompatible materials must be designed and synthesized to support cell adherence and growth together with nutrient transport under physiological condition. This Minireview presents a journey that, starting from the first discovery of liquid crystalline phases in biological (natural) materials with different structures and physical-chemical properties, will inform readers of the very recent application of liquid crystal polymeric materials as functional cell scaffolds to address current tissue engineering issues.
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