Creation of these biomimetic environments utilizes a variety of polymer processing techniques, organic chemistry, and molecular biology. Signals are incorporated into the polymers by covalent modification of polymer surfaces or by incorporation of soluble factors during processing. Cellular responses are quantified using a variety of tools, such as microscopy, northern analysis, and western blots. Design of these microenvironments is aided by the development of mathematical models describing the signaling process. The models provide a mechanism to make testable predictions regarding optimal signal presentation.
Signal transduction describes the process by which cells sense and respond to their environment.
Following cell stimulation, a complex network of highly regulated reactions occurs within the cell that ultimately leads to the cellular response. These models should enable the identification of targets for manipulation and determination of the contribution of multiple signaling pathways. Strategies to enhance tissue formation are developed based on a fundamental understanding of cellular responses to specific signals. Polymer scaffolds may enhance natural tissue regeneration by delivering the appropriate signals or by serving as cell transplantion vehicles. This approach of relating tissue development to molecular design of the scaffold may ultimately lead to the formation of engineered tissues that could provide alternatives to whole organ or tissue transplantation.