Functionalization of biomaterial surfaces using artificial extracellular matrices

factor-β; GF, growth factor; bFGF, basic fibroblast growth factor; HGF, hepatocyte growth factor; PDGF-BB, patlelet deribed growth factor-BB; BMP, bone morphogenetic factor; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; ALP, alkaline phosphatase; hMSC, human mesenchymal stem cells; ERK, extracellular signal regulated kinase; FAK, focal adhesion kinase; PI3K, phosphoinositide 3 kinase; VN, vitronectin; ePTFE, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene Construction of biomaterials with the ability to guide cell function is a topic of high interest in biomaterial development. One approach is using components native to the ECM of the target tissue to generate in vitro a microenvironment that can also elicit specific responses in cells and tissues—an artificial ECM (aECM). The focus is on collagen as the basic material, which can be modified using a number of different glyco-proteins, proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans. Preparation, immobilization and the biochemical characteristics of such aECM are discussed, as well as the in vitro and in vivo response of cells and tissues, illustrating the potential of such matrice