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A Hydrogel Construct and Fibrin-based Glue Approach to Deliver Therapeutics in a Murine Myocardial Infarction Model.
Published on: June 14, 2015
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VEGF-loaded microsphere patch for local protein delivery to the ischemic heart
Jonathan Rodness1, Anton Mihic1, Yasuo Miyagi1
1Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Acta Biomaterialia
|September 14, 2016
Summary
This study developed a novel cardiac patch using microspheres to deliver vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) for heart attack recovery. The VEGF-loaded patch improved blood vessel growth and cardiac function in rats.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Myocardial infarction (MI) leads to heart cell loss and dysfunction.
- Revascularization strategies are crucial for cardiac repair after MI.
- Growth factors delivered via microspheres and cardiac patches offer potential therapeutic benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel cardiac patch system for sustained delivery of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
- To assess the efficacy of VEGF-loaded microsphere patches in promoting cardiac regeneration and function post-MI in a rat model.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of compacted calcium-alginate microsphere patches restrained by a chitosan sheet.
- Incorporation and sustained release of VEGF from the microsphere patches.
- In vivo implantation of patches in a rat model of myocardial infarction, followed by functional and histological assessment.
Main Results:
- Microsphere patches demonstrated prolonged in vitro VEGF release and maintained bioactivity.
- In vivo, patches showed gradual degradation and supported improved cardiac function compared to controls.
- VEGF-loaded patches significantly enhanced scar thickness and capillary density in the infarct border zone.
Conclusions:
- The developed microsphere patch is a promising platform for localized cytokine delivery.
- This therapeutic approach can serve as an adjuvant to existing therapies for promoting angiogenesis in infarcted hearts.
- The study highlights the potential of combined microsphere and patch technology for cardiac regeneration.
