Bioengineered Functional Brain-Like Cortical Tissue Researchers report the construction of complex functional 3D brain-like cortical tissue, maintained for months in vitro, formed from primary cortical neurons in modular 3D compartmentalized architectures with electrophysiological function. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract | Press Release Synergistic Protein Secretion by Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Seeded in 3D Scaffolds and Circulating Leukocytes in Physiological Flow Scientists aimed to identify the signaling factors secreted by preseeded cells in a biomaterial and their interaction with circulating leukocytes, in the presence of physiological biomechanical stimuli exerted by the hemodynamic environment. [Biomaterials] Abstract In Vivo Assessment of Guided Neural Stem Cell Differentiation in Growth Factor Immobilized Chitosan-Based Hydrogel Scaffolds Researchers demonstrate that a unique growth factor-biomaterial system can offer spatial control of growth factors with sustained signaling to guide the specific lineage commitment of neural stem/progenitor cells in vivo. [Biomaterials] Abstract Hybrid Elastin-Like Polypeptide-Polyethylene Glycol (ELP-PEG) Hydrogels with Improved Transparency and Independent Control of Matrix Mechanics and Cell Ligand Density Researchers designed a hybrid ELP-PEG hydrogel system that rapidly crosslinks with tris(hydroxymethyl) phosphine in aqueous solution via Mannich-type condensation. Human fibroblasts encapsulated in these hydrogels show high viability after seven days of culture. [Biomacromolecules] Abstract Combinatorial Gene Therapy Accelerates Bone Regeneration: Non-Viral Dual Delivery of VEGF and BMP2 in a Collagen-Nanohydroxyapatite Scaffold Vascularization and bone repair are accelerated by a series of gene-activated scaffolds delivering both an angiogenic and an osteogenic gene. Stem cell-mediated osteogenesis in vitro, in addition to increased vascularization and bone repair by host cells in vivo, was enhanced using all systems while the use of the nanohydroxyapatite vector to deliver both genes markedly enhances bone healing. [Adv Healthc Mater] Abstract Extracellular Matrix Composition Is Modified by β2-Agonists through cAMP in COPD Researchers investigated the mechanism underlying the control of extracellular matrix modification by long acting β2-agonists in primary human airway smooth muscle cells. [Biochem Pharmacol] Abstract A Comparative Study of Matrix Remodeling in Chronic Models for COPD; Mechanistic Insights into the Role of TNFα Scientists characterized and assessed similarities in alveolar and small airway wall matrix remodeling in chronic COPD models. From this comparative characterization of matrix remodeling they derived and elaborated underlying mechanisms to the matrix changes reported in COPD. [Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol] Abstract Extracellular Matrix Components of Adipose Derived Stromal Cells Promote Alignment, Organization and Maturation of Cardiomyocytes In Vitro The juxtacrine role of adipose derived stromal cells (ADSC) and ADSC-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) on the organization and maturation of cardiomyocytes was investigated. Human ADSC synthesized and deposited a heterogenous and complex mixture of ECM components such as collagen I, III, IV, fibronectin, elastin as well as the matricellular protein periostin. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of a Novel Collagen/Cellulose Nanocrystal Scaffold for Achieving the Sustained Release of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Biodegradable gelatin microspheres containing basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were fabricated and incorporated into a porous collagen/cellulose nanocrystal scaffold, as a platform for long-term release and consequent angiogenic boosting. The physicochemical properties of these scaffolds were examined and the in vitro release pattern of bFGF from scaffolds was measured by ELISA. [J Biomater Appl] Abstract |