February 2022

In addition to substrate elasticity (durotaxis) and chemical gradients (chemotaxis), which we explored in previous blog articles, surface topography also impacts cell movement and behavior. Cells develop and function embedded within in a highly complex, and evolving, extracellular matrix (ECM) environment. Various biochemical and biophysical ECM cellular cues and their subsequent cell responses shape the development and homeostasis of tissues. An important component of this extracellular environment, governing cell function and behaviour, is the differing micro-/nanotopographical features.

In a previous article about durotaxis, we discussed how cell movements can be guided by elasticity cues at the cell-substrate interface. Here, we focus on the process of cell migration following biochemical cues and the clinical benefits promised by this developing area of research.

A study reported this week demonstrates a novel approach to delivering protein drugs to joints to repair cartilage defects. This may lead to the development of the first effective drug for osteoarthritis that will be able to delay or possibly remove the need for joint replacement surgery.

The distinction between peptides and proteins is not always apparent, but it is important to understand. Peptides and proteins are, indeed, fundamentally the same, each being composed of amino acids held together by peptide bonds. However, fundamental differences between proteins and peptides go beyond an arbitrary length threshold. Look closer and they differ in structure, function, and therapeutic use.

Since as early as the 1990s, a myriad of AI-driven healthcare technology has successfully reached the market. Perhaps one of most astounding—and maybe slightly unsettling—inventions of all involves the development of Xenobots, a new class of synthetic organisms that blur the lines between the physical, digital and biological worlds.