Micro- and Nano-structured Membrane Biohybrid Systems for Tissue Engineering

Micro and nanostructured membrane systems can be used for the compartmentalisation of cells in the formation of organized and functional tissues. They are able to create a biomimetic environment with specific physico-chemical, morphological and transport properties. Tailor-made membranes (organic, functionalized with specific biomolecules, in flat and hollow-fiber configurations), designed and operated according to well-defined engineering criteria are able to sustain specific biotransformations, to provide adequate transport of oxygen, nutrients and catabolites throughout the cellular compartment, and to supply appropriate biomechanical stimuli of the developing tissue. In this paper the authors show the development of engineered membrane constructs by using liver cells, progenitor cells, neuronal cells and keratinocytes. Membranes with specific physico-chemical, morphological and transport properties would be able to modulate the adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of cells, which are fundamental processes for tissue regeneration by governing the mass transfer of molecules that generate a precisely controlled microenvironment that mimic the specific features of in vivo environment. Membrane bioreactors, which through the fluid dynamics modulation may simulate the in vivo complex physiological environment ensuring an adequate mass transfer of nutrients and metabolites and the molecular and mechanical regulatory signals, will be also presented.