Prolonged presence of VEGF promotes vascularization in 3D bioprinted scaffolds with defined architecture

The Role of Synthetic Extracellular Matrices in Endothelial Progenitor Cell Homing for Treatment of Vascular Disease

“…78 Alternatively, alginate mixed with Matrigel to provide cell adhesion sites may be 3D printed with precisely controlled porosity for enhanced EPC incorporation. 57 Further, EPCs housed within hydrogels may also be co-delivered with growth factors that further mimic healthy ECM and promote cellular survival and infiltration. 57,70 In one approach, spatially controlled incorporation of VEGF 165 -loaded gelatin microparticles within EPC-laden, 3D printed hydrogels was shown to create regionally defined vascularized zones in vivo.…”

“…57 Further, EPCs housed within hydrogels may also be co-delivered with growth factors that further mimic healthy ECM and promote cellular survival and infiltration. 57,70 In one approach, spatially controlled incorporation of VEGF 165 -loaded gelatin microparticles within EPC-laden, 3D printed hydrogels was shown to create regionally defined vascularized zones in vivo. 57 Alternatively, EPCs transplanted within RGD-alginate hydrogels that released VEGF 121 to promote outward cell migration were shown to alleviate many of the limitations of cell-based therapies, such as cell death, low engraftment efficiency, and lack of control over transplanted cell fate.…”

“…57,70 In one approach, spatially controlled incorporation of VEGF 165 -loaded gelatin microparticles within EPC-laden, 3D printed hydrogels was shown to create regionally defined vascularized zones in vivo. 57 Alternatively, EPCs transplanted within RGD-alginate hydrogels that released VEGF 121 to promote outward cell migration were shown to alleviate many of the limitations of cell-based therapies, such as cell death, low engraftment efficiency, and lack of control over transplanted cell fate. 70 This EPC delivery approach dramatically improved vascularization and rescued murine ischemic hindlimbs from toe and foot necrosis and autoamputation.…”

“…70,78 This isoform readily diffuses through the surrounding ECM unlike the VEGF 165 isoform, which binds heparin with high affinity and thus traverses more slowly. 57,70 Gelatin microparticles (GMPs), which form electrostatic interactions with VEGF, incorporated within 3D-printed hydrogels have also been used to provide spatiotemporal control of release with regionally sustained VEGF 165 release. 57 Herein, the synthetic ECM of the hydrogel carrier can manipulate factor release and signaling.…”

“…57,70 Gelatin microparticles (GMPs), which form electrostatic interactions with VEGF, incorporated within 3D-printed hydrogels have also been used to provide spatiotemporal control of release with regionally sustained VEGF 165 release. 57 Herein, the synthetic ECM of the hydrogel carrier can manipulate factor release and signaling.…”