Use of heparinized bacterial cellulose based scaffold for improving angiogenesis in tissue regeneration

Vascularization is a prerequisite to achieve tissue regeneration especially for long-term survival of a scaffold. During the regeneration process, the delivery of angiogenic factors is very important for developing a vascular network. In this paper, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-loaded 3D porous bacterial cellulose/gelatin (B/G) scaffolds modified with heparin were firstly prepared. The pro-angiogenic effects of scaffolds towards proliferation and migration of endothelial cells (PIECs) were evaluated as well as in vivo implantation. Results showed that the B/G scaffold modified with heparin could provide a prolonged release of VEGF for two weeks. In vitro cellular assays showed that proliferation and migration were promoted in the presence of VEGF. Subcutaneous implantation demonstrated that angiogenesis was significantly improved for the heparinized scaffolds loaded with VEGF (V-B/G/H), compared to B/G scaffold. The resulting scaffold with sustained delivery of VEGF could be potential and effective tissue engineered candidates in tissue regeneration for future clinical applications.