Injectable in situ crosslinkable RGD-modified alginate matrix for endothelial cells delivery

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2011

Authors

Silvia J Bidarra (Author) Other; Cristina C Barrias (Author) Other; Keila B Fonseca (Author) Other; Mario A Barbosa (Author) FEUP; Raquel A Soares (Author) FMUP; Pedro L Granja (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Biomaterials

Vol. 32

Pages: 7897-7904

ISSN: 0142-9612

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 114 Citations

Scopus - 122 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Environmental biotechnology

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-KBK

DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.07.013

Abstract (EN): Cell-based therapies offer an attractive approach for revascularization and regeneration of tissues. However, and despite the pressing clinical needs for effective revascularization strategies, the successful immobilization of viable vascular cells within 3D matrices has been difficult to achieve. In this paper the in vitro potential of a natural, injectable RGD-alginate hydrogel as an in situ forming matrix to deliver endothelial cells was evaluated. Several techniques were employed to investigate how these microenvironments could influence the behavior of vascular cells, namely their ability to promote the outward migration of viable, proliferative cells, retaining the ability to form a 3D arrangement. Cells within RGD-grafted alginate hydrogel were able to proliferate and maintained 80% of viability for at least 48 h post-immobilization. Additionally, entrapped cells created a 3D organization into cellular networks and, when put in contact with matrigel, cells migrated out of the RGD-matrix. Overall, the obtained results support the idea that the RGD peptides conjugated to alginate provide a 3D environment for endothelial cells adhesion, survival, migration and organization.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8