Design of selective cell migration biomaterials and their applications for tissue regeneration

Cell migration is a widespread form of live cell activity during complex dynamic process, which plays an important role in tissue regeneration and repairing. Tissue regenerative biomaterials provide the basic supporting for the growth of cells and tissues and maintain the shape and mechanical properties of the regenerated tissues. Cell recruitment and migration with the assistance of biomaterials is important for tissue regenerative process because cell directional migration to the wound site is a crucial prerequisite in tissue regeneration. In the case of injured tissue, migration and overgrowth of unexpected cells may cause severe diseases. Hence, cell-selective biomaterials have great significance in tissue regeneration and reconstruction. The design of cell-selective biomaterials for this purpose is based on the specific interactions between materials and cells by the physical, chemical, or biological cues, because they can directly affect the migration cells and further affect the process of tissue regeneration. The chemical and biological molecules (peptides, growth factors, adhesion molecules), physical properties (hardness, topography, hydrophilicity), physiological signals (cellular chemokines or cytokines) are all effective regulatory factors in the design of cell-selective biomaterials. This review combined the latest research, summarized systematically about the influential factors of cell migration, the design of biomaterials for selective cell adhesion and directional migration, and their applications in tissue regeneration. Furthermore, the challenge and perspectives of cell-selective migration biomaterials were also discussed.