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Implantation of Electrospun Vascular Grafts with Optimized Structure in a Rat Model
Published on: June 27, 2018
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An electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffold modified with matrix metalloproteinase for cellularization and
Li Jiang1, Jingchen Gao, Dongmin Song
1State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China. wangshufang@nankai.edu.cn.
Journal of Materials Chemistry. B
|April 8, 2020
Summary
This study shows that modifying tissue engineering grafts with collagenase (MMP-1) enhances smooth muscle cell migration and vascularization. This collagenase-modified graft strategy promotes rapid cellularization for improved tissue regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Rapid cellularization of implanted grafts is vital for successful tissue regeneration.
- Extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and remodeling influence cell behavior, with degradation often promoting migration.
- Matrix metalloproteinases-1 (MMP-1), or Collagenase I, degrades collagen in the ECM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if ECM degradation regulated by MMP-1 can accelerate cellularization in tissue engineering.
- To evaluate the efficacy of collagenase-modified poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) grafts in promoting cell migration and vascularization.
Main Methods:
- Cell invasion assays were performed using smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and collagenase.
- Electrospun PCL grafts were modified by immobilizing collagenase using hydrophobin (HFBI).
- Surface characterization confirmed collagenase immobilization, followed by in vitro cell ingrowth and in vivo subcutaneous implantation in rats.
Main Results:
- A specific concentration of collagenase significantly promoted SMC migration in vitro.
- Collagenase-modified PCL grafts demonstrated enhanced SMC ingrowth compared to untreated grafts.
- Subcutaneous implantation revealed that modified grafts promoted capillary formation, indicating improved vascularization.
Conclusions:
- ECM degradation mediated by collagenase (MMP-1) effectively enhances SMC migration.
- Collagenase-modified grafts represent a promising strategy for improving cellularization and vascularization in tissue engineering applications.
