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Bone repair is modulated by different stimuli. There is evidence that the Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF- ) super-family of cytokines have significant effects on bone structure by regulating the replication and differentiation of chondrocytes, osteoblasts and osteoclasts. This book aimed at determining the role of the TGF- s, Collagen type I, Fibronectin and Laminin in bone cell behaviour. To do this MG-63 bone cells were used to examine cell adhesion and alignment to different micro-contact printed ECM protein patterns of different widths. The study also aimed at examining how various TGF- isomers (TGF- 1, 2 and 3) and their solvent and carrier (HCl and BSA, respectively) effected cell surface interactions, cell morphology, cell proliferation and integrin expression. Finally, this study also aimed at examining how the TGF- s and their solvent and carrier influenced wound closure in an in vitro wound closure model and how TGF- s influence ECM secretion and integrin expression.

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Dr. Farshid Sefat is a Post Doctorate Research Assistant at the University of Sheffield (United Kingdom). He received his bachelor degree in Medical Engineering from University of Bradford (UK), MSc. in Cell and Tissue Engineering from Keele University (UK) and PhD in Bone Tissue Engineering from University of Bradford (UK).

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