Processed
The binding of integrins to the ECM activates one of these, which regulates cell processes like adhesion, migration, and growth.
signaling cascade
The key advantage of alginate as a material for ECM mimics
Biocompatible and can be easily modified
The three components of the tissue engineering triad
Cells, Scaffolds, and Regulators
A macromolecule composed of long chains of repeated units called mers
Polymer
The two main origins for materials used in tissue engineering scaffolds
They can be either synthetic or naturally derived.
The process of reintroducing cells into a decellularized scaffold
Reseeding
The percentage of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that is water
About 65%
The way scaffolds provide structural reinforcement in tissue engineering
Structurally reinforce the defect to maintain its shape and prevent distortion of surrounding tissue
A water-swollen, crosslinked, and insoluble polymer structure used in tissue engineering.
Hydrogel
The way the chemical composition of a scaffold regulates cell function
Affects cell attachment and behavior through interactions with integrins, and also determines degradation rate and mechanical properties.
The primary goal of the decellularization process for creating native scaffolds
Remove the cellular components from an organ or tissue while preserving the extracellular matrix
The fundamental role that the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays in the body's overall form
The body shape of animals and maintaining the positional homeostasis of organs.
Besides structural support, the delivery function that scaffolds can serve
A delivery vehicle for cells, growth factors, or genes.
Approximately 2 to 10 monomer units.
Oligomer
The '%' porosity of a scaffold primarily determines
Number of cells that can be contained within the scaffold and the strength of the material
The role scaffolds play as a matrix for cells before degradation
A matrix for cell adhesion to facilitate or regulate cell processes like mitosis, synthesis, and migration
The five primary components of the extracellular matrix (ECM)
Collagens, elastin, proteoglycans/glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), cell adhesion molecules (e.g., fibronectin, laminin), and water.
Scaffolds can act as a barrier to prevent the ingress of this tissue
Surrounding Tissue
Transmembrane receptors that assist with cell-cell and cell-ECM adhesion.
Integrins
The degradation rate of natural polymer scaffolds is typically controlled with this
Adjusting the degree of crosslinking.
The mechanical properties of a scaffold can affect cell behavior through a process called this
Mechanotransduction
A major challenge related to the structural complexity of synthesizing ECM-mimics
Mimicking the hierarchical structure with both micro and nanoscale features and diverse mechanical properties
The enzymes primarily responsible for the degradation of collagen-based scaffolds
Enzymatic collagenase or lysozyme
A chain in the alkane series with 1000-3000 carbons
tough plastic solid
The five main categories of scaffold design considerations
Chemistry, Physical properties, Mechanics, Degradation, and Electrical/Optical properties