ABSTRACT
The significance of extracellular matrix/microenvironment (ECM) molecules and their spatial arrangement in ex vivo cell culture was realized for the first time when cells were grown in the presence of one or more ECM components. The ECM of various tissues and organs differ not only in their composition but quantity as well. ECM rich tissues like bone, cartilage and cornea need a dense scaffold as their mimic. Physiologically functional tissues, which are cell dominant on the other hand, need crucial ECM components, preferably arranged in the pericellular region. Three dimensional (3D) cell culture in an ECM mimicking environment is at the helm of creating artificial tissue and can prove the ultimate tool in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Hydrogels possess a three-dimensional (3D) highly hydrated polymeric network, and can hold up to 20- to 40-fold more water compared to their dry weight. Scaffolds represent a molecular network artificially created to mimic the spatial arrangement of native ECM in 3D.
