METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PROMOTING EPITHELIAL CELL DIFFERENTIATION AND KERATINIZATION

摘要

In one aspect, the present invention provides a biomaterial having at least one biocompatible surface. The biocompatible surface comprises a plurality of immobilized Notch ligand molecules, wherein the plurality of immobilized Notch ligand molecules are capable of promoting differentiation in one or more epithelial cells. In another aspect, the present invention provides an implantable medical device comprising a layer of a biomaterial. Another aspect of the invention provides methods for promoting epithelial cell differentiation. The methods of this aspect of the invention include the step of contacting one or more epithelial cells with a biomaterial comprising an amount of immobilized Notch ligand molecules sufficient to promote differentiation in the one or more epithelial cells.