Echinoderm Mutable Collagenous Tissues (MCTs) undergo nervously mediated, drastic and reversible changes in their passive mechanical properties. MCT mutability is involved in autotomy,posture maintenance and motility, and, as a consequence, it influences all aspects of echinoderm biology (nutrition, reproduction, habitat selection, self-defense and predatory behavior) representing a key-factor for the ecological success of the phylum. Besides this, MCT performance represents a topic of remarkable interest for many different applied fields. A biomimetic research route looks at MCTs as a source of inspiration for the development of smart and innovative biomaterials with great potential for in vitro and in vivo applications when controlled and reversible plasticization and/or stiffening of the extracellular matrix is required. The MIMESIS (Marine Invertebrates Models & Engineered Substrates for Innovative bio-Scaffolds) project has been developed within this scientific context. The selected echinoderm model is the common sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. This project is based on a multidisciplinary approach combining functional biology with biomaterial engineering. A brief review of recent morphological, biomolecular, biomechanical and biochemical results on P.lividus MCTs are here presented in a biotechnological perspective, taking into account also a promising application regarding the use of MCT-derived substrata for cell culture studies.
The smart connective tissue of echinoderms: a materializing promise for biotech applications
TRICARICO, SERENA;
2013-01-01
Abstract
Echinoderm Mutable Collagenous Tissues (MCTs) undergo nervously mediated, drastic and reversible changes in their passive mechanical properties. MCT mutability is involved in autotomy,posture maintenance and motility, and, as a consequence, it influences all aspects of echinoderm biology (nutrition, reproduction, habitat selection, self-defense and predatory behavior) representing a key-factor for the ecological success of the phylum. Besides this, MCT performance represents a topic of remarkable interest for many different applied fields. A biomimetic research route looks at MCTs as a source of inspiration for the development of smart and innovative biomaterials with great potential for in vitro and in vivo applications when controlled and reversible plasticization and/or stiffening of the extracellular matrix is required. The MIMESIS (Marine Invertebrates Models & Engineered Substrates for Innovative bio-Scaffolds) project has been developed within this scientific context. The selected echinoderm model is the common sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. This project is based on a multidisciplinary approach combining functional biology with biomaterial engineering. A brief review of recent morphological, biomolecular, biomechanical and biochemical results on P.lividus MCTs are here presented in a biotechnological perspective, taking into account also a promising application regarding the use of MCT-derived substrata for cell culture studies.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
