Electrospun scaffolds functionalized with heparin and vascular endothelial growth factor increase the proliferation of endothelial progenitor cells

Abstract

In severe cases of peripheral arterial disease, tissue loss can occur and the use of vascular grafts can be necessary. However, currently, there are no suitable substitutes for application in small diameter vessels. The aim of this work has been to produce scaffolds with adequate properties for application as vascular substitutes. Polycaprolactone scaffolds were produced by the electrospinning technique. The surface of the scaffolds was functionalized with heparin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and their physical-chemical properties were characterized. Human endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were seeded onto the surface of the scaffolds in order to create an endothelial layer. The electrospun scaffolds exhibited mechanical properties compatible with the native arteries. The presence of heparin prevented blood coagulation on the scaffold surface. The presence of heparin and VEGF favored the adaptation of MSCs and EPCs on the scaffolds in relation to the non functionalized scaffolds. In addition, the EPCs cultivated on the scaffolds maintained the expression of CD31, CD34 and VE-cadherin genes. The results obtained in the present study suggest that electrospun scaffolds functionalized with heparin and VEGF can be applied in vascular tissue engineering. These scaffolds exhibited antithrombogenic properties and favored the development of cells on their surface. The association of heparin and VEGF with electrospun scaffolds increased EPC proliferation, favoring the formation of the endothelial layer and the regeneration of damaged vessels.

The impact of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells on neovascularisation in rats with brain injury

“…MSCs can be easily sampled, isolated, and largely amplified in vitro. Transplanted MSCs in vivo can secrete many vasoactive growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor, which is one of the main factors that promotes vascular growth [4]. MSCs can release cytokines to increase the number of EPCs in the peripheral blood circulation, which in turn promotes angiogenesis and the recovery of neurological function through angiogenesis.…”

Engineering in-vitro stem cell-based vascularized bone models for drug screening and predictive toxicology

“…The first approach relies on the induction of vascularization by endothelial precursors using angiogenic factors such as VEGF. For instance, Braghirolli et al [ 84 ] demonstrated that an electrospun poly(caprolactone) scaffold loaded with VEGF promoted the penetration and proliferation of EPCs within the 3D matrix. This process is primarily EC regulated and, in the context of TE, specific interactions with the scaffold material and other cell types are needed for optimal in-vitro vascularization.…”

A facile method for fabricating a three-dimensional aligned fibrous scaffold for vascular application

“…8,9 Smooth muscle cells when loses its contractile protein and quiescence state will undergo increased proliferation, migration and produce excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and pro-inammatory cytokines and growth factors which eventually lead to deadly vascular diseases. 8,10 Several research group have made attempts to modulate the phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells through approaches such as micro-patterning, 9,11,12 electrospinning, [13][14][15] coating of heparin 8,16 or having endothelial cells (ECs) on the inner side of scaffold. 10,16,17 While micro-patterning creates a dened cellular monolayer of cells, it rapidly loses its regularity when translated into multiple layers.…”

“…8,10 Several research group have made attempts to modulate the phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells through approaches such as micro-patterning, 9,11,12 electrospinning, [13][14][15] coating of heparin 8,16 or having endothelial cells (ECs) on the inner side of scaffold. 10,16,17 While micro-patterning creates a dened cellular monolayer of cells, it rapidly loses its regularity when translated into multiple layers. 12,18 This 2D nature of micro-patterned cellular sheets presents a major limitation for tissue engineering, where the assembly of thick multi-component cell construct is desired.…”