bm8b00331_si_001.pdf (3.32 MB)
Heparin Functionalized Injectable Cryogel with Rapid Shape-Recovery Property for Neovascularization
journal contribution
posted on 2018-04-24, 00:00 authored by Inseon Kim, Seunghun S. Lee, Sunghoon Bae, Hoyon Lee, Nathaniel S. HwangCryogel based scaffolds
have high porosity with interconnected
macropores that may provide cell compatible microenvironment. In addition,
cryogel based scaffolds can be utilized in minimally invasive surgery
due to its sponge-like properties, including rapid shape recovery
and injectability. Herein, we developed an injectable cryogel by conjugating
heparin to gelatin as a carrier for vascular endothelial growth factor
(VEGF) and fibroblasts in hindlimb ischemic disease. Our gelatin/heparin
cryogel showed gelatin concentration-dependent mechanical properties,
swelling ratios, interconnected porosities, and elasticities. In addition,
controlled release of VEGF led to effective angiogenic responses both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, its
sponge-like properties enabled cryogels to be applied as an injectable
carrier system for in vivo cells and growth factor
delivery. Our heparin functionalized injectable cryogel facilitated
the angiogenic potential by facilitating neovascularization in a hindlimb
ischemia model.