Fibronectin- and Collagen-Mimetic Ligands Regulate Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Chondrogenesis in Three-Dimensional Hydrogels This study aimed to determine whether collagen- and fibronectin-mimetic ligands would retain biologic functionality in three-dimensional hydrogels, whether different extracellular matrix-mimetic ligands differentially influence in vitro chondrogenesis, and if effects of ligands on differentiation depend on soluble biochemical stimuli. [Eur Cell Mater] Abstract Long Term Performance of Polycaprolactone Vascular Grafts in a Rat Abdominal Aorta Replacement Model In this study, polycaprolactone micro and nano-fiber based vascular grafts were evaluated in the rat abdominal aorta replacement model for 1.5, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months (n = 3 for each time point). [Biomaterials] Abstract Two-Tier Hydrogel Degradation to Boost Endothelial Cell Morphogenesis Cell-responsive degradation of biofunctional scaffold materials is required in many tissue engineering strategies and commonly achieved by the incorporation of protease-sensitive oligopeptide units. In extension of this approach, researchers combined protease-sensitive and -insensitive cleavage sites for the far-reaching control over degradation rates of starPEG-heparin hydrogel networks with orthogonally modulated elasticity, RGD presentation and VEGF delivery. [Biomaterials] Abstract Enhancing Cell Penetration and Proliferation in Chitosan Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering Applications The aim of this study was to develop a process to create highly porous three-dimensional chitosan hydrogels suitable for tissue engineering applications. [Biomaterials] Abstract Porcine Small Diameter Arterial Extracellular Matrix Supports Endothelium Formation and Media Remodeling Forming a Promising Vascular Engineered Biograft The findings indicate the potential of such decellularized arterial extracellular matrix for future small caliber vascular graft reconstruction therapies. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract A Dual Regulation of Breast Tubulogenesis by Extracellular Matrix Composition and Stromal Cells Here, researchers used a 3-dimensional in vitro culture to study the roles of stromal cells and extracellular matrix components during mammary tubulogenesis. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract Evaluation of a Thin and Mechanically Stable Collagen Cell Carrier In the present study, researchers evaluated the mechanical and the cell biological properties of a novel, thin, and planar collagen scaffold. [Tissue Eng Part C] Abstract MMP Mediated Degradation of Type VI Collagen Is Highly Associated with Liver Fibrosis – Identification and Validation of a Novel Biochemical Marker Assay The aim of this study was to develop an ELISA detecting a fragment of type VI collagen generated by matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, and evaluate this assay in two preclinical models of liver fibrosis. [PLoS ONE] Abstract Cone Outer Segment Extracellular Matrix as Binding Domain for Interphotoreceptor Retinoid-Binding Protein (IRBP) Here, researchers explore the association of IRBP with the interphotoreceptor matrix of cones versus rods in cone dominant retinas from chicken (Gallus domesticus), turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), and pig (Sus scrofa). [J Comp Neurol] Abstract Engineering the Growth Factor Microenvironment with Fibronectin Domains to Promote Wound and Bone Tissue Healing Researchers present an approach for engineering the cellular microenvironment to greatly accentuate the effects of vascular endothelial growth factor–A and platelet-derived growth factor–BB (PDGF-BB) for skin repair, and of bone morphogenetic protein–2 and PDGF-BB for bone repair. [Sci Transl Med] Abstract |