Biomimicking Leaf-Vein Engraved Soft and Elastic Membrane Promotes Vascular Reconstruction

Jinghan Fang, Huaqian Liu, Wei Qiao, Tianpeng Xu, Yuhe Yang, Huizhi Xie, Chun Hei Lam, Kelvin W.K. Yeung (Corresponding Author), Xin Zhao (Corresponding Author)

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

13 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Hierarchical vasculature reconstruction is fundamental for tissue regeneration. The regeneration of functional vascular network requires a proper directional guidance, especially in case of large-size defects. To provide the “running track” for vasculature, a leaf-vein mimetic membrane using soft and elastic poly(lactide-co-propylene glycol-co-lactide) dimethacrylate is developed. Engraved with an interconnected and perfusable leaf-vein micropattern, the membrane can guide human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to form vasculature in vitro. In particular, the “running track” upregulates the angiogenesis-related gene expression and promotes the HUVECs to differentiate into tip cells and stalk cells via tuning vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 signaling transduction. As a proof of concept, its revascularization capability using a rat calvarial defect model in vivo is evaluated. The in vivo results demonstrate that the leaf-vein engraved membrane accelerates the formation and maturation of vasculature, leading to a hierarchical blood vessel network. With the superior pro-vasculature property, it is believed that the leaf-vein engraved membrane is not only an ideal candidate for the reconstruction of calvarial vasculature but also a promising solution for more complicated vasculature reconstruction, such as muscle, skin, and heart.

Original languageEnglish
Article number2201220
JournalAdvanced healthcare materials
Volume12
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 13 Jan 2023

Keywords

  • angiogenesis
  • leaf vein
  • microtopography
  • poly(lactide-co-propylene glycol-co-lactide) dimethacrylate

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biomaterials
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Pharmaceutical Science

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