Three-Dimensional Tunable Fibronectin-Collagen Platforms for Control of Cell Adhesion and Matrix Deposition

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex fibrillar network that couples cell with its environment and directly regulates cells’ functions via structural, mechanical, biochemical signals. goal of this study was to engineer characterize ECM-mimicking protein platforms material properties covering both physiological pathological (tumorous) tissues. We designed fabricated three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds comprising the two major components ECM, namely collagen (Col) fibronectin (Fn), using previously developed freeze-drying method. While porous architecture mechanics were controlled by varying Col I concentration, Fn deposition conformation tuned varied immersion temperature assessed intramolecular Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET). Our data indicate all able support various crucial cellular such as adhesion, proliferation deposition. Additionally, we show that, keeping stiffness constant tuning layer used coat scaffolds, control not only invasion cells but also they would deposit, from compact an unfolded structure (as observed in breast tumor microenvironment). Therefore, these tunable could be 3D culture models, which ECM microarchitecture, are over large volumes investigate long-term mechanisms wound healing phases and/or vascularization microenvironments. These findings have implications for tissue engineering regenerative medicine.