Complexity Digest 2004.39 - 06.01

27-Sep-2004

Smart Biomaterials, Science Bookmark and Share

Excerpt: In addition to biomaterials that direct specific cellular behaviors, researchers are also developing smart biomaterials that respond to specific cellular signals. (...) The presence of these MMP [matrix metalloproteinase, Ed.] sites allows native cells to control gel remodeling such that these cells replace the synthetic gel material with tissue. When these biomaterials are further supplemented with specific growth factors, such as bone morphogenetic proteins, these gels support the infiltration of cells and the formation of mineralized tissue for the healing of critical-sized cranial defects in rats.