About this Research Topic
Current in vitro protocols, relying in 2D cell culture system, entail reductionist approaches to the complexity of cell-ECM interaction and result in cells rapidly losing their distinctive functions in culture.
Understanding and replicating the 3D microenvironmental cues affecting cell function appears as a mandatory requirement for the development of next-generation biomaterials, as well as for the establishment of more physiologically relevant and predictive in vitro models of diseases. Such an effort will require a multidisciplinary approach at the convergence of biophysics, biology, nanotechnology, and bioengineering.
The topic will provide readers with a comprehensive overview of the current methods of cell-specific culture, thus highlighting the limitations of present strategies. More importantly, the contributions will be selected based on the ability to deliver a fresh vision on the future of ECM and stem/progenitor cells activity, disease-modeling, biomaterials science and combined approaches to reply the complexity of 3D ECM-cell interplay.
Keywords: Mechanobiology, cell-ECM interaction, topographic cues, biomaterial surface engineering, stem cell fate
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