Design and fabrication of 3D microstructures for in vitro immunomodulation.

Following in vivo implantation of biomaterials, a complex physiological process called the foreign body reaction (FBR) always occurs, involving the recruitment of key immune cells, such as macrophages. The manipulation of the physical properties of tissues and biomaterials to guide tissue regeneration is of prominent interest. In fact, macrophages can respond to external mechanical stimuli, polarizing towards a pro-inflammatory (M1) or pro-healing (M2) state and thus guiding the outcome of the implant reaction. Design and fabrication of ad hoc 3D microstructures is crucial to encourage or to modulate an anti-inflammatory response and for supporting an efficient tissue regeneration.