Abstract
This chapter focuses on how the structural and functional principles derived from the native cell microenvironment, the extracellular matrix (ECM), have been applied to biomaterial design and construction. By mimicking the ECM, researchers are able to take inspiration from defined cell-matrix interfaces to subsequently control cell-biomaterial interactions. Furthermore, the hierarchical structure of ECM architecture is a desirable characteristic to incorporate into material design. ECM structural and functional features, ECM biomaterial methodologies, and recent research and medical applications of ECM-based biomaterials are covered in this chapter.