Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 15, 2025
08:04
In Vitro Three-Dimensional Sprouting Assay of Angiogenesis Using Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells for Vascular Disease Modeling and Drug Testing
Published on: May 11, 2021
3.0K
A stage-specific cell-manipulation platform for inducing endothelialization on demand.
Qilong Zhao1, Juan Wang1, Yunlong Wang1
1Institute of Biomedical & Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518035, China.
National Science Review
|October 25, 2021
Summary
This study introduces a novel bilayer platform that uses near-infrared light to remotely control endothelial cell (EC) functions. This technology promotes faster endothelialization for vascular grafts and stents, improving cardiovascular disease treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Endothelialization is crucial for vascular remodeling and the success of cardiovascular implants.
- Achieving effective endothelialization on synthetic materials is challenging due to difficulties in mimicking native cell-matrix interactions.
- Existing methods struggle to dynamically guide endothelial cell (EC) functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a dynamic, remotely controllable platform for stage-specific endothelial cell manipulation.
- To enhance endothelialization processes for vascular grafts and stents.
- To provide a versatile tool for biomedical applications requiring stepwise control of cell functions.
Main Methods:
- A bilayer platform with near-infrared (NIR)-triggered transformable topographies was designed.
- The platform utilizes tunable topographical cues to alter human EC geometries and functions remotely.
- NIR triggers induce temporary anisotropic and permanent isotropic topographies sequentially.
Main Results:
- The platform successfully altered human EC functions without compromising cell viability.
- Temporary anisotropic topographies promoted EC migration.
- Permanent isotropic topographies enhanced EC adhesion and spreading, facilitating endothelialization.
Conclusions:
- The NIR-triggered bilayer platform enables precise, stage-specific control over EC functions for improved endothelialization.
- This technology offers a promising approach for developing next-generation vascular grafts and stents.
- The platform has broad potential in tissue regeneration and wound healing applications requiring controlled cell behavior.
