“…In addition, various bioactive peptide sequences, such as cell adhesive ligands and enzyme-mediated degradation sites, can be incorporated into the PA, which enables mimicry of essential properties of the natural extracellular matrix (ECM), a critical component in regulation of cell behaviors. ,,, Our previous study successfully demonstrated that islet encapsulation in the RGD peptide (cell adhesive ligand: arginine, glycine, and aspartic acid)-incorporated PA nanomatrix gel improved islet viability and function in vitro . For in vivo application of the PA nanomatrix gel to the omentum, an alternative extrahepatic islet transplantation site, our group also developed a hybrid nanosack by combination of a PA nanomatrix gel and an electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) (ePCL) nanofiber sheet with craterlike structures. , In the omentum, the ePCL nanofiber sheet maintained the mechanical stability of the PA nanomatrix gel. In addition, angiogenic growth factor delivery (FGF-2) along with craterlike structures of the ePCL nanofiber sheet promoted blood vessel generation surrounding the hybrid nanosack in the omentum for sufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients .…”