Instructive Scaffolds to moduate cells behavior

Stem cells behavior is in nature regulated by biochemical, morphological and mechanical signals of the surrounding Extracellular Matrix, with mechano-sensitive or integrin-mediated interactions conveyed to intracellular downstream pathways that guide specific cell differentiation fates or functions. It is generally agreed that for tissue engineering applications the scaffold should mimic architecture and properties of ECM, with physical properties or incorporated signaling molecules that should instructively stimulate cells proliferation and, in the case of stem cells, drive their differentiation. We have investigated the use of silk fibroin based matrices as instructive scaffold for stem cells differentiation. In particular matrices of gelatin and silk fibroin, with or without genipin crosslinking, have been used to drive stem cells differentiation to the neuronal phenotype. Gelatin-based scaffolds have been used for cartilage and bone tissue engineering and for peripheral nerve guide conduits, while silk fibroin that has been proposed for many applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine due to its notable biocompatibility and tunable mechanical properties. Blend scaffolds of gelatin and silk fibroin have been reported to enhance cell activity. Genipin is a natural crosslinker extracted from gardenia fruits, possessing with very low cytotoxicity.