Electrospun Sulfated Silk Fibroin Nanofibrous Scaffolds for Vascular Tissue Engineering Researchers fabricated sulfated silk fibroin nanofibrous scaffolds (S-silk scaffolds) and assessed the anticoagulant activity and cytocompatibility of S-silk scaffolds in vitro in order to improve the antithrombogenicity and get some insights into its potential use for vascular tissue engineering. [Biomaterials] Maintenance of Phenotype and Function of Cryopreserved Bone-Derived Cells This work demonstrates that cryopreserved bone grafts may represent a novel, accessible source of cells for tissue regeneration therapy, and the results of the study may also stimulate the development of other cryopreservation techniques in basic and clinical studies. [Biomaterials] Microscale 3D Hydrogel Scaffold for Biomimetic Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract Model Researchers describe a simple and efficient method for fabricating natural and synthetic hydrogels into 3D geometries with high aspect ratio and curvature. [Lab Chip] Cementum- and Periodontal Ligament-Like Tissue Formation by Dental Follicle Cell Sheets Co-Cultured with Hertwig’s Epithelial Root Sheath Cells Results indicate that the dental follicle cell (DFC) sheets induced by Hertwig’s epithelial root sheath cells are able to produce periodontal tissues through epithelial-mesenchymal interactions. Therefore, DFC sheets may be useful in the field of periodontium regeneration. [Bone] Production of Highly-Aligned Collagen Lamellae by Combining Shear Force and Thin-Film Confinement In this investigation researchers have used the simple technique of spin coating to produce highly-aligned arrays of collagen fibrils. [Acta Biomater] Incorporation of a Decorin Biomimetic Enhances the Mechanical Properties of Electrochemically Aligned Collagen Threads Researchers conclude that incorporation of an optimal amount of DS-SILY is a promising approach to synthesize mechanically competent collagen based biomaterials for tendon tissue engineering applications. [Acta Biomater] Tenascin-C Triggers Fibrin Accumulation by Downregulation of Tissue Plasminogen Activator Researchers explored novel functions of tenascin-C by comparing mouse embryonic fibroblasts proficient or deficient in tenascin-C expression. [FEBS Letters] Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein (COMP) Forms Part of the Connective Tissue of Normal Human Hair Follicles Results reveal for the first time that COMP is part of the extracellular matrix and suggests its important role in normal human hair follicle biology. [Exp Dermatol] Finite Element Analysis of the Effects of Focal Adhesion Mechanical Properties and Substrate Stiffness on Cell Migration This mathematical model is able to quantify the effects of focal adhesion mechanical properties, extracellular stiffness, and intracellular stresses on cell-extracellular matrix interactions, and should be beneficial to research in cancer development. [J Biomech] Hepatitis C Virus RNA Replication in Human Stellate Cells Regulates Gene Expression of Extracellular Matrix-Related Molecules Hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA replication affected gene expression of extracellular matrix-related molecules in both hepatic stellate cells and hepatic cells, suggesting that HCV RNA replication and/or HCV proteins directly contribute to liver fibrosis. [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] |