A detailed understanding of the biophysical features that affect cell growth and development is important in guiding the design of biomimetic scaffolds. The cellular microenvironment is a network of structural and functional components that provide mechanical and chemical stimuli, which influence cell function and fate. Important developmental signals are conveyed to cells through interactions with neighboring cells, the extracellular matrix (ECM), and growth factors. Currently, there are number of approaches to create 3D tissue models in vitro that allow for control over cell adhesion, the physical properties of the surrogate matrix, and the spatial distribution of growth factors. This review describes some of the most significant biological features of the ECM, and several engineering methods currently being implemented to design and tune synthetic scaffolds to mimic these features.
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