Angiogenic Potential in Biological Hydrogels

Abstract

Hydrogels are three-dimensional (3D) materials able to absorb and retain water in large amounts while maintaining their structural stability. Due to their considerable biocompatibility and similarity with the body’s tissues, hydrogels are one of the most promising groups of biomaterials. The main application of these hydrogels is in regenerative medicine, in which they allow the formation of an environment suitable for cell differentiation and growth. Deriving from these hydrogels, it is, therefore, possible to obtain bioactive materials that can regenerate tissues. Because vessels guarantee the right amount of oxygen and nutrients but also assure the elimination of waste products, angiogenesis is one of the processes at the base of the regeneration of a tissue. On the other hand, it is a very complex mechanism and the parameters to consider are several. Indeed, the factors and the cells involved in this process are numerous and, for this reason, it has been a challenge to recreate a biomaterial able to adequately sustain the angiogenic process. However, in this review the focal point is the application of natural hydrogels in angiogenesis enhancing and their potential to guide this process.

Gasotransmitter-Induced Therapeutic Angiogenesis: A Biomaterial Prospective

“…In addition, certain polymeric hydrogels such as hyaluronic acid and collagen hydrogel contribute to angiogenic and healing properties. 50 a. NO-Releasing Hydrogels with Stem Cells. NO-releasing hydrogels seeded with stem cells are capable of enhanced angiogenesis and increased regenerative potential for tissue repair.…”

“…Hydrogels can also ensure sustained release of drugs, and the porosity helps in the formation of new blood vessels. In addition, certain polymeric hydrogels such as hyaluronic acid and collagen hydrogel contribute to angiogenic and healing properties …”

“…In addition, certain polymeric hydrogels such as hyaluronic acid and collagen hydrogel contribute to angiogenic and healing properties. 50 …”

Synthesis and Characterization of Photo-Cross-Linkable Silk Fibroin Methacryloyl Hydrogel for Biomedical Applications

“…Natural polymers, particularly proteins, display unique structural characteristics and biological activity and intrinsic biocompatibility and biodegradability. Natural polymer hydrogels can modulate cell responses while also acting as a framework for cells. , Natural polymer hydrogels have attracted growing interest in recent years …”

“…5,6 Natural polymer hydrogels have attracted growing interest in recent years. 7 Silk fibroin (SF), a natural polymer derived from mulberry SF, is composed of three chains: a hydrophobic heavy chain (350 kDa), a hydrophilic light chain (25 kDa), and glycoprotein P25 (28 kDa). 8 The repeating blocks of heavy and light chains are joined by disulfide bonds, whereas P25 is coupled via noncovalent connections to the repeating blocks of heavy and light chains to create basic micellar units.…”