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The Extracellular Matrix

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 Matrix

The Extracellular Matrix

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Production of Extracellular Matrix Fibers via Sacrificial Hollow Fiber Membrane Cell Culture

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Bioorthogonal Strategies for Engineering Extracellular Matrices.

Christopher M Madl¹, Sarah C Heilshorn²

¹Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.

Advanced Functional Materials

|September 28, 2019

Summary

Bio-orthogonal chemistry enables specific hydrogel crosslinking for cell encapsulation. This approach allows for dynamic, on-demand modification of engineered extracellular matrices (e.g., mechanical properties) without harming cells.

Keywords:

bio-orthogonal chemistry biomaterials dynamic materials engineered extracellular matrix hydrogels

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Pancreatic Tissue-Derived Extracellular Matrix Bioink for Printing 3D Cell-Laden Pancreatic Tissue Constructs

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Published on: December 13, 2019

Area of Science:

Biomaterials Science
Chemical Biology
Tissue Engineering

Background:

Hydrogels serve as engineered extracellular matrix (ECM) mimics for tissue engineering and disease modeling.
Conventional hydrogel crosslinking methods often exhibit cross-reactivity, potentially interfering with biological systems.
Bio-orthogonal chemistry offers highly specific and robust reactions crucial for biological applications.

Purpose of the Study:

To review bio-orthogonal strategies for creating cell-encapsulating hydrogels.
To highlight the potential of bio-orthogonal chemistries in developing dynamic engineered ECMs.

Main Methods:

Incorporation of bio-orthogonal crosslinking strategies into hydrogel design.
Utilizing selective bio-orthogonal reactions for gentle and efficient cell encapsulation.
Leveraging bio-orthogonal chemistry for dynamic modification of hydrogel properties.

Main Results:

Bio-orthogonal crosslinking allows for precise control over hydrogel formation.
These methods enable gentle encapsulation of live cells within hydrogels.
Dynamic modification of hydrogel mechanics and biochemistry is achievable in the presence of cells.

Conclusions:

Bio-orthogonal chemistry is a powerful tool for designing advanced hydrogel-based engineered ECMs.
This approach facilitates the creation of dynamic biomaterials for various biological applications.
Future research can further explore the applications of bio-orthogonal strategies in regenerative medicine.