Advances in Cell Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering: The Value of Liquid Crystalline Elastomers

Year: 2018

Authors: Martella D., Parmeggiani C.

Autors Affiliation: [Martella, Daniele; Parmeggiani, Camilla] Univ Florence, Chem Dept Ugo Schiff, Via Lastruccia 3-13, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy and CNR INO, Via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy and Univ Florence, European Lab Nonlinear Spect LENS, Via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy

Abstract: Recent discoveries evidenced that many cells organize into well-aligned nematic domains, showing also their topological defects and suggesting the liquid crystalline order to be necessary for some biological functions. These evidences were described as the basis for the development of a new area of research in which polymeric liquid crystals were developed to exploit and promote cell adhesion and proliferation towards tissue regeneration. To address the requirements of tissue engineering, new biocompatible materials must be designed and synthesized to support cell adherence and growth together with nutrient transport under physiological condition. This Minireview presents a journey that, starting from the first discovery of liquid crystalline phases in biological (natural) materials with different structures and physical-chemical properties, will inform readers of the very recent application of liquid crystal polymeric materials as functional cell scaffolds to address current tissue engineering issues.

Journal/Review: CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL

Volume: 24 (47)      Pages from: 12206  to: 12220

KeyWords: biomaterials; cell alignment; cell scaffolds; liquid crystal elastomers; tissue engineering
DOI: 10.1002/chem.201800477

Citations: 47
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