Guoping Chen

Biomimetic Extracellular Matrices and Scaffolds Prepared from Cultured Cells

Extracellular matrix (ECM) interacts with cells and provides important signals to control cell functions and to maintain homeostasis of living organisms. Composition of ECM in each tissue is dependent on cell type and cell phenotype. ECM also dynamically changes its composition during stem cell differentiation and tissue development. Various ECM substrates and scaffolds have been prepared for stem cells culture and tissue engineering. They can be reconstructed by using isolated ECM components or acellular matrices from different tissues and organs. In recent years, cultured cells have been used as a useful source to prepare biomimetic ECM substrates and scaffolds. ECM derived from different cell type can be prepared by culturing the respective cells to allow the cells to secrete desirable ECM components. Furthermore, dynamically changing ECM can be prepared by controlling the stepwise differentiation of stem cells. The composition of the biomimetic ECM substrates and scaffolds changes with cell type and has different effects on differentiation of stem cells. The latest progress on biomimetic ECM substrates and scaffolds derived from cultured cells is summarized and highlighted.