Functional and Biomimetic Materials for Engineering of the Three-Dimensional Cell Microenvironment

The cell microenvironment has emerged as a key determinant of cell behavior and function in development, physiology, and pathophysiology. The extracellular matrix (ECM) within the cell microenvironment serves not only as a structural foundation for cells but also as a source of three-dimensional (3D) biochemical and biophysical cues that trigger and regulate cell behaviors. Increasing evidence suggests that the 3D character of the microenvironment is required for development of many critical cell responses observed in vivo, fueling a surge in the development of functional and biomimetic materials for engineering the 3D cell microenvironment. Progress in the design of such materials has improved control of cell…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 11532009, 11772253, 11372243, 11602191, 21775117, 11522219, 51502238
• NH
  National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

  Award: R01HL109505
• NI
  National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering

  Award: U01EB016422
• DO
  Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation

  Award: CMMI 1548571