Probing the Role of Integrins in Keratinocyte Migration Using Bioengineered Extracellular Matrix Mimics.

Bioengineered extracellular matrix (ECM) mimetic materials have tunable properties and can be engineered to elicit desirable cellular responses for wound repair and tissue regeneration. By incorporating relevant cell-instructive domains, bioengineered ECM mimics can be designed to provide well-defined ECM-specific cues to influence cell motility and differentiation. More importantly, bioengineered ECM surfaces are ideal platforms for studying cell-material interactions without the need to genetically alter the cells.