Methods in Cell-Stimulated Extracellular Matrix Production in Tissue Engineering

The extracellular matrix is vital for the survival and function of mammalian cells in vivo. In tissue engineering, recognition of this importance is leading a new drive to provide environments which are compatible with in vivo extracellular matrix or encourage cells to lay down their own matrix in order to provide more effective tissue engineering solutions to many of the medical problems patients face. A wide range of methods by which cells can be stimulated to lay down extracellular matrix exist, yet to date these methods have not been robustly tested or compared to each other. This overview and chapter describes the methods by which desired extracellular matrix deposition can be encouraged, via scaffold material or design, bioactive molecules, physical stimulation, or choice of a particular cell line.