Strategies for Mimicking Extracellular Matrix

Extracellular matrix (ECM) gives tissues their physical properties and impacts cell behavior. Tissue-engineered biomaterials aim to replace damaged tissues and direct cells toward regeneration. Therefore, mimicking the structural, mechanical, and physical properties of ECM is of interest to produce the ideal tissue-engineered device. However, producing such biomaterials is not an easy task because of the complexity of tissues. In this chapter, the different key parameters to mimic ECM will be described. First, the natural polymers used to synthesize tissue-engineered biomaterials will be presented. We will focus on biopolymers naturally present in ECM. Then, the different strategies for mimicking the mechanical properties of soft, elastic, or hard tissues will be described. Last, the role of ECM topography in determining cell phenotype and its impact on ECM physical properties will be discussed. In the second part, several strategies to mimic ECM will be presented.