Specialized peptide sequences incorporated into scaffolds or delivery vehicles to actively direct the behavior, proliferation, and differentiation of progenitor cells within a biomaterial construct intended for tissue replacement or repair. These molecules act as instructional cues guiding cells to form the desired functional tissue architecture. Engineering implies the construction of functional biological substitutes.
Origin
This concept arises from the convergence of biomaterials science, cell biology, and synthetic chemistry, where peptides are designed to mimic natural extracellular matrix signaling. Tissue engineering seeks to build functional tissues outside the body or enhance in-situ repair.
Mechanism
The mechanism involves tethering specific bioactive peptides to scaffold surfaces or incorporating them into hydrogels, where they present binding sites for cell surface receptors. This presentation guides cell adhesion, migration, and lineage commitment, for example, instructing mesenchymal stem cells toward osteogenesis or chondrogenesis. They effectively provide the necessary microenvironmental instructions for organized tissue assembly.
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