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Electrospun Scaffolds Functionalized with a Hydrogen Sulfide Donor Stimulate Angiogenesis
Tianyu Yao1,2, Teun van Nunen1, Rebeca Rivero1
1Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, Maastricht 6229 ER, The Netherlands.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|June 17, 2022
Summary
Engineered scaffolds release hydrogen sulfide (H2S) to promote blood vessel growth, overcoming limitations in tissue engineering. This sustained H2S delivery enhances cell growth and integration for better tissue regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Tissue engineering requires vascularization for implant survival.
- Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) shows promise for promoting angiogenesis.
- Sustained H2S delivery is a significant challenge in biomaterial development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel angiogenic scaffolds for sustained H2S delivery.
- To investigate the efficacy of H2S-releasing scaffolds in promoting vascularization.
- To evaluate the impact of H2S-releasing scaffolds on endothelial cell behavior and tissue integration.
Main Methods:
- Covalent attachment of an H2S donor (alkynyl-NTA) to azide-functionalized polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun scaffolds via click chemistry.
- Characterization of H2S release kinetics based on NTA functionalization.
- In vitro assessment of scaffold effects on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation and function.
- In ovo evaluation of neovascularization using the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay.
Main Results:
- NTA-functionalized scaffolds demonstrated dose-dependent H2S release.
- Scaffolds supported HUVEC proliferation, enhanced endothelial monolayer formation, and improved cell-cell junction integrity.
- In ovo studies showed increased neovascularization with H2S-releasing scaffolds.
- Covalent conjugation of H2S donors promoted angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo.
Conclusions:
- NTA-functionalized PCL scaffolds enable sustained, localized H2S delivery for enhanced angiogenesis.
- These angiogenic scaffolds represent a promising strategy for improving tissue engineering constructs.
- Further exploration of these H2S-releasing scaffolds is warranted for advancing regenerative medicine.
