9. Molecular Biology of Contraction Blockade by Active Scaffolds

Maximum blocking of contraction and highest quality of regeneration coincided with use of a single scaffold, dermis regeneration template (DRT), with narrowly defined structure. Features required for regenerative activity of DRT were the pore size (in the range 20–125 µm), degradation half-life (optimally 14 ± 7 days), and a density of ligands for collagen-binding integrins α1β1 and α2β1 that exceeded approximately 200 µΜ α1β1 or α2β1 ligands. Pore size controls cell entry into the scaffold and provides adequate specific surface for cell adhesion; the half-life provides a time window during which cells and scaffold can make contact; and the ligand density of collagen-binding integrins α1β1 and α2β1 enables the adhesive interaction between integrins and scaffold surface which affects profoundly the assembled morphology and function of contractile cells. The facts confirm the presence of an insoluble surface with high degree of specificity, which modifies the phenotype of contractile cells. These considerations introduce the concept of surface biology, a biology that derives its functions from specific interactions of cells with an insoluble solid surface.