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Recent Advances and Techniques for the Vascularization of Tissue Engineering Constructs

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 April 2024 | Viewed by 1356

Special Issue Editors

3B's Research Group, I3Bs–Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal
Interests: scaffold free tissue engineering; vascularization; stem cells; regenerative medicine; animal models
1. 3B’s Research Group, I3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
2. ICVS/3B’s–PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
Interests: tissue engineering; regenerative medicine; biomaterials; biomimetics; biodegradable materials; 3D in vitro models; cancer modelling
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

Vascularization is a critical step when engineering functional tissue constructs. To ensure adequate perfusion of thick engineered tissues after transplantation is essential to allow not only their survival but also their intended function and, ultimately, integration with the host tissue. Many strategies have been put forward to overcome this problem. In vitro prevascularization is by far the most explored strategy but issues related with cell sourcing and potential regression of the prevascular network remain. This collection intends to bring into view the latest developments related with vascularization in the Tissue Engineering field. Specifically, developments regarding the use and disclosure of novel cell populations that can contribute to the angiogenic and vasculogenic processes towards the improved vascularization of Tissue Engineered constructs, scaffold-based or scaffold-free, is of interest. Additionally, the use of innovative biomaterials or molecules that can specifically target and promote angiogenesis, vasculogenesis or vessel ingrowth into Tissue Engineering constructs is also of interest. Finally, the application of advanced techniques to study the vascularization process based on, for instance, microfluidics or the establishment of vascular beds will also be appreciated.

Research articles, review articles as well as communications are invited.

Dr. Rogério P. Pirraco
Prof. Dr. Rui L. Reis
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • tissue engineering
  • vascularization
  • vasculogenesis
  • angiogenesis
  • biomaterials

Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

16 pages, 6123 KiB  
Article
Microstructured Polymeric Fabrics Modulating the Paracrine Activity of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
by Federica Grilli, Ennio Albanesi, Beatriz Pelacho, Felipe Prosper, Paolo Decuzzi and Daniele Di Mascolo
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(12), 10123; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241210123 - 14 Jun 2023
Viewed by 894
Abstract
The deposition of stem cells at sites of injury is a clinically relevant approach to facilitate tissue repair and angiogenesis. However, insufficient cell engraftment and survival require the engineering of novel scaffolds. Here, a regular network of microscopic poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) filaments was [...] Read more.
The deposition of stem cells at sites of injury is a clinically relevant approach to facilitate tissue repair and angiogenesis. However, insufficient cell engraftment and survival require the engineering of novel scaffolds. Here, a regular network of microscopic poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) filaments was investigated as a promising biodegradable scaffold for human Adipose-Derived Stem Cell (hADSC) tissue integration. Via soft lithography, three different microstructured fabrics were realized where 5 × 5 and 5 × 3 μm PLGA ‘warp’ and ‘weft’ filaments crossed perpendicularly with pitch distances of 5, 10 and 20 μm. After hADSC seeding, cell viability, actin cytoskeleton, spatial organization and the secretome were characterized and compared to conventional substrates, including collagen layers. On the PLGA fabric, hADSC re-assembled to form spheroidal-like structures, preserving cell viability and favoring a nonlinear actin organization. Moreover, the secretion of specific factors involved in angiogenesis, the remodeling of the extracellular matrix and stem cell homing was favored on the PLGA fabric as compared to that which occurred on conventional substrates. The paracrine activity of hADSC was microstructure-dependent, with 5 μm PLGA fabric enhancing the expression of factors involved in all three processes. Although more studies are needed, the proposed PLGA fabric would represent a promising alternative to conventional collagen substrates for stem cell implantation and angiogenesis induction. Full article
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