Bridging, artificial adhesion

Artificial bridging adhesion between cells is known. Immunological procedures which involve the agglutination of cells by an antibody (or antigen when the cells are coated with antibody) appear to be bridging reactions. 

Cell studies on scaffolds of nano- and submicrometer-scaled fibers have shown that these dimensions promote not only cell adhesion, but also have beneficial effects on proliferation and differentiation of cells [174-177], These effects are more prominent with decreasing fiber diameters. It seems relevant that the cells can be guided and bridged by the artificial fibers. Meshes with aligned fibers are particularly promising, e.g., for guiding the growth of nerve cells (Fig. 8) [178],... 

The various dental polymers discussed in this article include impression materials, dentures and denture liners, artificial teeth, crown and bridge materials, mouth protectors, maxillofacial materials, restoratives (consisting of glass polyalkenoates or glass-ionomers and composites), adhesives, and sealants. Specifications and standards for dental materials are also briefly mentioned in the text. 

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