| abstract |
This invention includes a method of producing a nanostructured artificial template comprising one or more thin, oriented layer of polymer material. The material is preferably produced by the method of introducing a shearing flow in a predominantly monomeric solution of the self-assembling polymer sub-units to the free surface of a substrate and inducing polymerization or growth of the monomer while in this shearing flow. The rate of flow of the material from the delivery system and the relative velocity between the deposition surface and the material as it is delivered to the surface are controlled to properly orient the material at the desired thickness. These rates can be adjusted to vary the properties of the film in a controlled manner. The nanostructured artificial template is useful for inducing the production of a templated extracellular matrix by a population of cells. The invention further includes a method of remodeling collagen constructs by alternating application of proteases and collagen monomers while the construct is stressed. |