Lecture _November_JBauer.pdf
(4.01 MB, PDF)
… are polymers? What are biomimetic materials? The Extracellular Matrix, Polymers and Biomimetic Materials 4 4 Objectives • To explain the nature, structure, and function of the major components of the ECM • To illustrate how these basic building blocks can create highly specialized environments • To recognize polymer structures and properties • To explain how materials scientists try to create ECM-like environments • To identify current trends in ECM-like materials 5 5 From Cells to Tissues and … A complex and dynamic network of proteins and carbohydrates that provides structural and biochemical support to the surrounding cells and enables survival and proliferation Proteins (collagen, elastin) Polysaccharides (hyaluronic acid) Proteoglycans (aggrecan, perlecan, etc) Large Glycoproteins (laminins, fibronectin, etc) The exact nature and ratios of these molecules differ per tissue. Composition of ECM 9 9 - proteins - carbohydrates and polysaccharides - glycoproteins - proteoglycans - polymers …