The Basement Membrane: Key to the Reverse Engineering Biological Tissues

Abstract

AbstractWe reveal the basement membrane, a specialized connective tissue structure found in all tissue systems, as a framework in an adaptive computer aided design (CAD) strategy for the reverse engineering of 3 dimensional (3D) tissue structures. Our approach to the creation of functional 3D tissue structures is centered on our previous models of vascular supply systems which included complete and accurate replications of capillary bed systems, the circulatory interface necessary to sustain 3D tissue structures. By using the basement membrane as a guide, we seek to design models for the reverse engineering of the other extracellular connective tissue structures and their matrix elements. We demonstrate the basement membrane as a platform for the design and engineering of tissue scaffolding for vascularized alveolar systems in the lung and for the vascularized dermal skin layer. The resulting structure will support the 3D growth and differentiation of cells and their products. The biomedical industry stan...