Abstract
Tissue-engineered vascular scaffolds provide a promising solution for the replacement of diseased vascular structures. However, a major challenge lies in enhancing endothelialization, host cell ingrowth, and angiogenesis. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of developing a bio-tubular scaffold from human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) co-cultured on electrospun poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) membranes to address these issues. Confluent layers of HDFs stimulated the organization of HUVECs into capillary-like networks in an indirect contact (two-dimensional) co-culture on membranes. Bio-tubular scaffolds fabricated from co-cultured membranes were either grown statically in vitro or implanted subcutaneously in severe combined immunodeficient mice for up to 4 weeks for biocompatibility evaluation and functional performance. In vitro examination of co-cultures on scaffolds showed collagen remodeling and an improvement in biomechanical properties up to day 14. Morphological analysis of in vitro grown bio-tubular scaffolds revealed good attachment and growth of both cell types. After one month, co-cultured scaffolds in vivo showed higher infiltration of host cells and collagen remodeling as compared to the HDF-seeded grafts. After 4 weeks, thin continuous layers of endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells were formed as shown by staining with an antibody specific for CD31and α-actin (α-SMA). On the contrary, HDF-seeded scaffolds remained free of α-SMA-positive cells at all time points, whereas few CD31+ cells appeared after 4 weeks. Thus, co-cultured membranes provide a solution for enhancing endothelialization, tissue regeneration, and growth in bio-tubular scaffolds and may have broader applications in regenerative medicine.[Figure not available: see fulltext.]
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 131-142 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Macromolecular Research |
Volume | 24 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2016 Feb 1 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This work was supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Republic of Korea (Project Number 10052732).
Publisher Copyright:
© 2016, The Polymer Society of Korea and Springer Sciene+Business Media Dordrecht.
Keywords
- PLCL
- angiogenesis
- electrospinning
- endothelial cells
- vascular scaffolds
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Chemical Engineering
- Organic Chemistry
- Polymers and Plastics
- Materials Chemistry