extracellular matrix

[Nature Communications] Researchers developed a comprehensive and highly tuneable ex vivo model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma based on the 3D co-assembly of peptide amphiphiles with custom ECM components.

[Communications Biology] The authors found that the ovarian cortex and its interior stroma had distinct material properties associated with extracellular matrix deposition, and that intra-follicular mechanical compartments emerged during follicle maturation.

[Science Advances] Inspired by the biophysical cues of ECM, scientists developed an electromechanical coupling bio-nanogenerator (bio-NG) composed of highly discrete piezoelectric fibers. The unique 3D space in the bio-NGs provided an ECM-like growth microenvironment for cells.

[Experimental Cell Research] Researchers studied the construction of cardiac ECM-based 3D hydrogel and its effects on cell behaviors. The results indicated that cellular compartments could be efficiently removed from heart tissue via sodium dodecyl sulfonate- and Triton X-100-mediated decellularization, remaining the natural fibrous network structure and major proteins.

[Stem Cells International] The authors summarize current knowledge on how stem cell-derived nanovesicles regulate immunity, fibroblast activity, angiogenesis, and scar formation in the wound healing process.

[Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine] MSC aggregation into spheroids was optimized in vitro based on cellular viability, spheroid size, and trophic factor secretion. The regenerative potential of the optimized MSC spheroid therapy was then investigated in a murine model of volumetric muscle loss injury.