In search of optimal scaffold for regenerative medicine and therapeutic delivery

Abstract

Understanding extracellular matrix (ECM) biology is imperative for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, which seeks functionally viable cells to be delivered at the site of injury in addition to restoring tissue/organ shape through artificial scaffolds. Cells cultured by conventional methods that allow only 2D growth are not the true representatives of functional cells existing in vivo. To expect an in vivo-like cellular response, it is mandatory to recreate an ECM-mimicking microenvironment, one of the fundamental needs of which is to allow cells to grow in a 3D scaffold. A convenient, user-friendly technology that can bridge the knowledge gaps and advance our comprehension of cell–cell and cell–ECM dynamics in a 3D environment is, therefore, the need of the hour. Such technologies can provide a novel tool for therapeutic delivery as well.