Biomimicking Leaf‐Vein Engraved Soft and Elastic Membrane Promotes Vascular Reconstruction. Issue 2 (13th November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fang, Jinghan; Liu, Huaqian; Qiao, Wei; Xu, Tianpeng; Yang, Yuhe; Xie, Huizhi; Lam, Chun‐Hei; Yeung, Kelvin W. K.; Zhao, Xin
• Is Part Of: Advanced healthcare materials. Volume 12:Issue 2(2023)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-11-13
• Subjects: angiogenesis -- leaf vein -- microtopography -- poly(lactide‐co‐propylene glycol‐co‐lactide) dimethacrylate; Biomedical materials -- Periodicals; 610.28
• DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202201220
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2192-2640

Abstract

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. Abstract : The leaf vein is the "vascular system" in plants. In this study, leaf‐vein micropattern is engraved on a poly(lactide‐co‐propylene glycol‐co‐lactide) dimethacrylate polymer membrane, serving as "running tracks" for vascular endothelial cells to facilitate hierarchical and functional vascular reconstruction. The leaf‐vein engraved membrane can induce vascular endothelial cell differentiation, vasculature reconstruction, and vessel maturation.