Biomaterials in regenerative medicine: engineering to recapitulate the natural.

The functional significance of the extracellular matrix (ECM) has generally been defined in terms of the provision of a structural support for cell adhesion and the establishment of tissue physical integrity. Recent evidence has, however, led to a paradigm shift according to which the ECM is increasingly recognised to exert a profound influence on cell behaviour, including gene expression, migration and the maintenance of functional homeostasis. The objective of this focussed review is to highlight selected observations underpinning this conclusion. Finally, we discuss the implications of these findings for regenerative medicine in the specific context of developing the 'next generation' of advanced wound care devices for the clinical management of recalcitrant chronic wounds.