Vascularization of 3D Engineered Tissues

Abstract

Cell-based tissue engineering technology has emerged as a new therapeutic option for repairing and restoring damaged tissue or organ. Vascularization (angiogenesis) is a fundamental requirement to provide oxygen/nutrients and remove the waste product for maintaining the phenotypes and functionality of implanted cells. Over the last decade, various strategies have been introduced to improve vascularization of 3D engineered tissue by developing technologies related to angiogenic factor delivery system, cell transplantation, HIF-mediated environment, scaffold design, and biofabrication technique. This chapter covers an overview of recent efforts that aim to promote vascularization in tissue engineering applications.