Fabrication of three-dimensional cell scaffolds with spatial gradients of biomolecules

Abstract

Multicellular processes of development and tissue regeneration are often sophisticatedly regulated by the spatial arrangement of extracellular matrix and signaling molecules in a timeand concentration-dependent manner. Concentration gradients of biomolecules such as growth factors and transcriptional factors play a pivotal role in the in vivo induction and formation of tissues and organs with complex structural architecture. It is therefore conceivable that a three-dimensional bioengineered scaffold with a spatial gradient of biomolecules could allow cells to induce regeneration of tissue with the natural morphological structure. This mini review article overviews fabrication techniques for functional gradient materials, and several concrete examples are introduced to emphasize importance of gradient materials in tissue engineering. Rec.9/28/2006, Acc.11/26/2006, pp102-106