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Introduction to Fibroblasts

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Rudolph Virchow discovered spindle-shaped cells called fibroblasts in 1858. Inactive fibroblasts, called fibrocytes, become activated by various stimuli, such as growth factors and inflammatory cytokines. Activated fibroblasts play a crucial role in wound healing, inflammation, formation of new blood vessels, and cancer progression. Uncontrolled activation of fibroblasts results in fibrosis, the excess deposition of fibrous tissue, which can lead to scarring and affect normal organs. This...

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Fibroblast Derived Human Engineered Connective Tissue for Screening Applications

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Understanding Fibroblast Behavior in 3D Biomaterials.

Joe P Woodley¹, Daniel W Lambert², Ilida Ortega Asencio

¹Bioengineering and Health Technologies Group, The School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.

Tissue Engineering. Part B, Reviews

|June 9, 2021

Summary

Three-dimensional (3D) culture systems better mimic in vivo conditions for fibroblasts than traditional 2D cultures. This review examines biomaterials influencing fibroblast behavior, crucial for understanding diseases like fibrosis and cancer.

Keywords:

3-dimensional microenvironment biomaterial collagen fibroblast

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Observing and Quantifying Fibroblast-mediated Fibrin Gel Compaction

Observing and Quantifying Fibroblast-mediated Fibrin Gel Compaction

Published on: January 16, 2014

Area of Science:

Biomaterials Science
Cell Biology
Tissue Engineering

Background:

Traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture fails to replicate the in vivo environment for connective tissue cells like fibroblasts.
Fibroblast behavior varies significantly in three-dimensional (3D) culture systems, ranging from quiescent to activated phenotypes.
Microfabrication advancements have popularized 3D cultures for tissue engineering and biological studies, yet validating biomimetic materials for fibroblast responses remains challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

To review strategies for investigating fibroblast behavior in 3D culture.
To focus on material properties influencing fibroblast activation, a key factor in fibrotic diseases and cancer.
To evaluate biomaterials used in 3D fibroblast culture.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies investigating fibroblast behavior in 3D culture systems.
Analysis of material properties including integrin binding sites, mechanical properties, microarchitecture (pore/fiber size), and chemical cues.
Evaluation of fibroblast responses, including proliferation and phenotypic changes (e.g., activation).

Main Results:

Fibroblast behavior is dictated by a complex interplay of material properties and microenvironmental cues in 3D cultures.
Biomaterial characteristics significantly influence fibroblast activation, a process implicated in pathological conditions.
Different 3D culture parameters like porosity and polarity impact fibroblast behavior variably.

Conclusions:

Understanding biomaterial influence on fibroblast behavior in 3D culture is critical for developing therapies for fibrosis and cancer.
3D culture systems offer valuable insights into fibroblast mechanotransduction and phenotypic regulation.
Advances in 3D culture and biomaterials pave the way for improved regenerative medicine strategies and disease modeling.