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Biofunctionalized microfiber-assisted formation of intrinsic three-dimensional capillary-like structures
Stefan Weinandy1, Simone Laffar, Ronald E Unger
11 Department of Tissue Engineering and Textile Implants, AME-Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen, Germany .
Tissue Engineering. Part A
|January 25, 2014
Summary
Biofunctionalized poly-(L-lactic acid) fibers guide endothelial cell growth to form capillary-like networks in 3D matrices. This method supports vascularization in tissue engineering, enhancing construct development.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Engineered tissues exceeding 100-200 μm require vascular networks.
- Controlling vascularization in vitro is crucial for tissue viability and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the use of fibers for positioning and guiding vessel-forming endothelial cells.
- To achieve localized capillarization within a three-dimensional (3D) matrix.
Main Methods:
- Poly-(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) fibers were biofunctionalized with RGD peptides.
- Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and fibroblasts were co-cultured on fibers in fibrin gel.
- Capillary-like structures were quantified using two-photon microscopy.
Main Results:
- Capillary-like networks with lumens formed adjacent to PLLA fibers.
- RGD-functionalized fibers enhanced endothelial cell attachment and capillary formation.
- Co-cultivation with fibroblasts supported persistent capillary-like structures for at least 21 days.
Conclusions:
- Biofunctionalized PLLA microfibers can guide vessel growth in tissue-engineered constructs.
- Spatial control of fibers within scaffolds is needed to improve this vascularization strategy.
