A scientist from Fraunhofer IGB cultures cells to form a functionalized extracellular matrix – the click ECM. © Fraunhofer IGB

Each cell produces a tissue-specific extracellular matrix (ECM), depending on the environment needed. A bone matrix, for example, contains minerals to provide firmness; a skin ECM consists mostly of collagen and elastic fibers. The ECM participates in the assembly and regeneration of tissue, regulating all important cell functions and triggering cell growth through chemical messengers.

Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology (IGB), Stuttgart, Germany, have developed an extracellular matrix. The biomaterial contains artificial chemical groups, which support natural cell behavior outside of the body. The functional ECM can ultimately be applied as a stable coating on implants, or used in cell culture dishes.

Within the "clickECM" project, the scientists developed the conditions and parameters needed for the cells to incorporate relatively high levels of labelled sugar into their extracellular matrix during their metabolism. The team then characterized the cell matrix and examined the influence of the functionalized matrix on cells.

According to the Fraunhofer team, the new materials could also be used to support healing in bones or wounds.

Source 

Topics:
Coatings, colorants and finishes Coatings, colorants, and finishes Fibers Implants & Prosthetics Materials properties Medical Medical equipment and supplies Medical, health and wellness Medical, health, and wellness Prostheses and implants

More From SAE Media Group

Medical Manufacturing and Machining
High-Volume Electrospinning Production Platform for Medical Devices
Related Article Image
Tech Briefs
Q&A: University of Utah’s Robby Bowles 3D-Prints Cells to Produce Human Tissue
Related Article Image
Medical Design Briefs
Bone Bandage Soaks Up Pro-Healing Biochemical to Accelerate Repair
Related Article Image
Medical Design Briefs
Implants: Protective Membrane Reduces Tissue Buildup
Related Article Image
    Magazine cover
    Medical Design Briefs Magazine

    This article first appeared in the February, 2017 issue of Medical Design Briefs Magazine (Vol. 7 No. 2).

    Read more articles from this issue here.

    Read more articles from the archives here.