R. Devesh K. Misra

Interplay between cellular activity and three-dimensional scaffold-cell constructs with different foam structure processed by electron beam melting

The cellular activity, biological response, and consequent integration of scaffold-cell construct in the physiological system are governed by the ability of cells to adhere, proliferate, and biomineralize. In this regard, we combine cellular biology and materials science and engineering to fundamentally elucidate the interplay between cellular activity and interconnected three-dimensional foamed architecture obtained by a novel process of electron beam melting and computational tools. Furthermore, the organization of key proteins, notably, actin, vinclulin, and fibronectin, involved in cellular activity and biological functions and relationship with the structure was explored. The interconnected foamed structure with ligaments was favorable to cellular activity that includes cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. The primary rationale for favorable modulation of cellular functions is that the foamed structure provided a channel for migration and communication between cells leading to highly mineralized extracellular matrix (ECM) by the differentiating osteoblasts. The filopodial interaction amongst cells on the ligaments was a governing factor in the secretion of ECM, with consequent influence on maturation and mineralization.

Editorial Biodegradable materials

In the past few decades, the concept of biomedical materials for orthopaedic and therapeutic applications has evolved from that of inert materials, to that of bioactive materials to promote cell growth, to that of functionalised biomaterials capable of complex roles that include tissue scaffolds and drug delivery, oncological and imaging vehicles. Many recent and emerging applications incorporate the concept of controlled degradation: once the material has fulfilled its role as a structural or delivery agent it degrades harmlessly and passes out of the body, avoiding the need for further, potentially hazardous surgical intervention. In vivo environments pose specific, complex challenges in the design of polymeric, metallic and ceramic biomaterials, with defined biodegradation characteristics, that have interesting parallels and contrasts with the properties sought to avoid undesired cell and bio-adhesion in these and other applications.