Observing cell response to biomaterials

The use of temporary, functional porous materials in regenerative medicine has great potential to reduce the need for replacement of damaged tissue. Several new nanostructured macroporous materials are being designed to mimic tissue structure and properties, and to stimulate new tissue growth while degrading in the body. However, cell response studies must be carried out in vitro before in vivo tests and clinical trials can be undertaken. Here, some techniques for characterizing these materials and for investigating their cell response are discussed. The use of conventional two-dimensional cell culture assays is not always possible on bulk porous materials.