Research Prof. Seoul National University Cheongju, Ch'ungch'ong-bukto, Republic of Korea
Abstract: Vascular regeneration is a crucial process as the vascular system supports the provision of nutrients and oxygen to the engineered tissue. Even though a few tissues are supplied with nutrients and oxygen through diffusion, engineered tissue with distant capillaries over 200nm faces difficulties. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a critical role in angiogenesis by stimulating cell proliferation and migration, but its therapeutic delivery remains challenging due to the need for precise dosing to avoid adverse effects. Here, we developed decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM)-based cryogel scaffolds with sustained VEGF release properties which are demonstrated capable of anchoring VEGF, thereby providing a sustained release and resulting in angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Tissue-derived dECM contains structural elements such as collagen, glycosaminoglycans, and growth factors that can improve cell growth, proliferation, and attachment, and have an advantage in minimal immunogenicity. The neovascularization potential of a VEGF-loaded dECM/heparin cryogel was studied in a mouse hindlimb ischemia model. Blood perfusion was tracked until day 28, and the corresponding laser Doppler perfusion index (LDPI) was improved by 80%. This platform demonstrated is easily fabricated and has a sustained release, has the potential to be used not only for neovascularization but also in various tissue engineering fields with different growth factors.
Funding Source: This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF) grant funded by the Korea government(MSIT) (RS-2023-NR077182(NRF-2023R1A2C2007283)).
