Scientists in the Dynamic Biomaterials group at the Leibniz Institute for New Materials have demonstrated a proof-of-concept design for a light-regulated “living biomaterial” (Advanced Science 10.1002/advs.201800383).
An ideal biomaterial for use in medical applications would have the ability to transmit and respond to signals from attached or encapsulated cells, in order to mimic the molecular interactions that occur within living tissues. Recent advances in this area include the timed release of sequestered growth factors, or in situ changes in mechanical properties, in response to an external stimulus, which then may alter cellular behaviour in real time. Although useful, these approaches are limited in that they are generally irreversible and do not truly establish a dynamic and mutual relationship between the cells and the biomaterial.
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