@article {18394,
	title = {A Functional Macromolecular Gradient Hydrogel System as a Platform to Model Tissue-to-Tissue Interfaces},
	booktitle = {27th European Conference on Biomaterials ESB2015},
	year = {2015},
	month = {2015-09-30 00:00:00},
	address = {krakow, Poland},
	abstract = {<p>One of the critical challenge facing tissue enginering strategies relate to simultaneous generation of multiple tissues and its functional assembly that lead to complex organ systems[1]. The gradient of structural and mechanical properties present in tissues have led to engineering strategies that focus on this interface. The tissue-to-tissue interface is the most crucial parameter in the approach to multitissue repair.\&nbsp; Tissue interfaces present a chemical hierarchical structure leading to different mechanical properties. The interface is the transition between two adjacent tissues as it presents a highly heterogenous structure of chemical and biological organization[2,3]. The hypothesis in this study is that differential functional properities can be engineered by modulation of macromolecules gradient in a cell seeded three-dimensional hydrogel system. Specifically, differential paracrine secretory profiles can be engineered using hBMSC. Hence, the specific objectives of this study are to: assemble the macromolecular gradient from natural materials (gellan gum, hyaluronic acid and collagen); to evaluate whether the gradient is suitable for hMSC encapsulation by cellular viability assessement; and screen the paracrine secretation of hBMSC over time within this gradient hydrogel system.</p>},
	keywords = {Gradient hydrogels, hMSCs, Interfaces},
	author = {Pereira, D. R. and Oliveira, J. M. and Reis, R. L. and Pandit, A.}
}
