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Smart biomaterial platforms: Controlling and being controlled by cells.
Ameya R Narkar1, Zhuoqi Tong1, Pranav Soman1
1BioInspired Syracuse: Institute for Material and Living Systems, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, United States; Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, United States.
Biomaterials
|March 5, 2022
Summary
Researchers are developing dynamic biomaterials with reversible properties for better cell interaction studies. This aims to bridge the gap between dynamic biological processes and static research platforms.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cell Biology
- Materials Engineering
Background:
- Dynamic functionality (programmable changes in biochemical, mechanical, or architectural properties) is a key biomaterial design criterion.
- Achieving dynamic functionality while maintaining other criteria like biocompatibility is challenging.
- Reversible dynamic functionality is particularly desired but difficult to achieve.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review dynamic materials and techniques for controlling cell activity.
- To inform advances in reversible dynamic biomaterials.
- To propose smart bi-directional extracellular matrix (ECM) platforms for dynamic cell communication.
Main Methods:
- Assessment of dynamic materials used for cell activity control.
- Review of static biomaterial constructs and their use in studying cell behavior.
- Evaluation of experimental and computational techniques relevant to dynamic biomaterials.
Main Results:
- Current dynamic biomaterials often lack reversibility.
- Static substrates limit understanding of dynamic in vivo processes like cell-ECM interactions.
- Combining reversible smart materials with static polymer insights is promising.
Conclusions:
- Reversible dynamic biomaterials are crucial for studying dynamic biological processes.
- Smart bi-directional ECM platforms can reversibly communicate with cells.
- This approach can bridge the gap between in vivo dynamics and in vitro models.
