Distinct impacts of aging on the immune responses to extracellular matrix-based versus synthetic biomaterials.

All implanted materials inevitably trigger an acute inflammatory response. The long-term outcome, however, is dependent on the trajectory of this response. This study investigates the effects of aging on the immune response to two commercially available biomaterials.

A temporal gene delivery system based on fibrin microspheres.

Combining complementary nonviral gene delivery vehicles such as tissue engineering scaffolds and liposomes not only is a promising avenue for development of safe and effective gene delivery system but also provides an opportunity to design dynamic extended release systems with spatiotemporal control. However, the DNA loading capacity of scaffolds such as fibrin is limited. Fibrin microspheres carrying DNA complexes can be utilized to extend the capacity of fibrin scaffold.