Polycaprolactone Nanofibers Containing Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-Encapsulated Gelatin Particles Enhance Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation and Angiogenesis of Endothelial Cells

Abstract

During the regeneration of tissues and organs, growth factors (GFs) play a vital role by affecting cell behavior. However, because of the low half-life time and quick degradation of GFs, their stimulations on cells are relatively short and discontinuous. In this study, a releasing scaffold platform, consisting of polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-encapsulated gelatin particles, was developed to extend the influence of GFs on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and endothelial cells (ECs). The results showed that this kind of scaffold can direct the differentiation of MSCs to ECs and maintain the stability of the tubular structure, an indicator of the angiogenesis ability of ECs, for an extended period of time. Therefore, the results suggest the potential application of PCL/VEGF-encapsulated gelatin particles (PCL/VGPs) as a growth factor (GF)-releasing scaffold platform in vascular tissue engineering.

Electrospinning Nanofibers for Therapeutics Delivery

“…The basic advantages of using gelatin particles are their slow degradation and controlled release properties in a biological environment because of introducing cross-linking treatment during fabrication. An example would be the work of Jiang and co-workers who prepared PCL fibrous scaffolds containing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-incorporated gelatin particles which were able to exhibit both diffusion and degradation mediated release for a long period of time (Figure 6b), differentiate mesenchymal stem cells from endothelial cells, sustain the durability of the tubular composition, and form new blood vessels among endothelial cells [136]. The integration of various sustained release characteristics within nanofiber scaffolds protects the encapsulated GFs from biological degradation, generates cellular signal transduction as well as repairs and regenerates damage.…”

Electrospun Nanofibers for Improved Angiogenesis: Promises for Tissue Engineering Applications

“…Encapsulation of pro-angiogenic growth factors into electrospun nanofibers is an effective and direct strategy to promote angiogenesis in different physiological and pathological conditions. To date, a large number of experimental studies have successfully encapsulated pro-angiogenic growth factors (mainly VEGF) into nanofibrous mats by means of different techniques, such as coaxial electrospinning, to achieve sustained release profiles [ 128 , 129 , 130 , 131 ]. For example, in order to accelerate endothelialization along the lumen of graft, composite grafts were fabricated by co-electrospinning of chitosan hydrogel/polyethylene glycol (PEG)-b-poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL) loaded with VEGF as the inner layer and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-loaded emulsion/PLCL nanofibers as the outer layer.…”

Surface Engineering of Cardiovascular Devices for Improved Hemocompatibility and Rapid Endothelialization

“…To improve hemocompatibility and endothelialization on the surface of cardiovascular implants, significant efforts have been made through surface modifications in three ways-physical, chemical, and biological modifications. [58] Mg alloys Biodegradability, [59] low density, appropriate mechanical properties, vascular implants [60] Co-Cr alloys Nontoxicity, elasticity, corrosion resistance, tissue engineering [37] NiTi alloys Biocompatibility, shape memory and superelasticity, [61] medical devices and implants [62] Naturally derived materials Collagen Biocompatibility, [63] cell adhesion, [ 64,65] cell encapsulation [66] Gelatin Cytocompatibility, cell growth, [ 67,68] cell differentiation and angiogenesis, [69] Chitosan Hemocompatibility, [70] biocompatibility, [71] cell encapsulation [72] Silk fibroin Biocompatibility, compliance, [73] adequate mechanical strength, tissue engineering [ 74,75] Decellularized tissues Biocompatibility, cell proliferation, [76] tissue engineering [77] Synthetic nonbiodegradable materials PTFE Biostability, appropriate mechanical properties, surface modification, [78] clinical reference [79] PU Biocompatibility, elasticity, [75] biostability, tissue engineering [67] PET Adequate mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, Non-toxicity, tissue engineering [80] Synthetic biodegradable materials PCL Biodegradability, biocompatibility, plasticity, [81] vascular devices [82] PLA Biocompatibility, appropriate mechanical properties, [83] tissue engineering [84] PLLA Biostability, adequate mechanical properties, [83] tissue engineering [84] PLGA Biocompatibility, appropriate degradation rate, vascular scaffolds [ 85,…”