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Human endothelial colony forming cells undergo vasculogenesis within biphasic calcium phosphate bone tissue
Sheeny K Lan Levengood1, Michael J Poellmann, Sherrie G Clark
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1304 West Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
Acta Biomaterialia
|July 30, 2011
Summary
Human umbilical cord blood-derived endothelial cells promote new blood vessel formation in bone tissue engineering scaffolds. This finding suggests potential for faster healing in bone defects.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Neovascularization is crucial for bone regeneration, but natural angiogenesis is often too slow.
- Effective vascularization ensures cell viability and function, essential for successful tissue repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential of human umbilical cord blood (hUCB)-derived endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) for in vivo vasculogenesis.
- To assess the integration and distribution of ECFC-derived vessels within biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP)/bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) bone tissue engineering constructs.
Main Methods:
- ECFCs were incorporated into BCP/BMP-2 scaffolds.
- Constructs were implanted subcutaneously in NOD/SCID mice for 4 weeks.
- In vivo vasculogenesis and host vasculature integration were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated successful in vivo vasculogenesis by human ECFCs within the scaffold macropores.
- ECFC-derived vessels successfully anastomosed with the host vasculature.
- Perfused vessels were observed throughout the scaffold, including the center, indicating even distribution.
Conclusions:
- hUCB-derived ECFCs can promote rapid and functional blood vessel formation within bone tissue engineering scaffolds.
- These findings support the potential of ECFC-seeded scaffolds for expediting neovascularization in bone defects.
- This approach holds promise for improving bone regeneration outcomes.
