In vivo and in vitro biocompatibility and vascularization of gelatin nanofiber for cardiac tissue engineering

IntroductionTransplantation of a tissue-engineered cardiac muscle demonstrates a novel experimental therapeutic model for myocardial diseases. One of the common limitations of cardiac tissue engineering is its inability to prepare sufficient blood supply in the initial phase after implantation. Insufficient vascularization can lead to improper cell integration or cell death in tissue-engineered constructs. Therefore, research in tissue engineering has concentrated on the analysis of angiogenesis. Also, biocompatible scaffolds represent an important role in modulating tissue growth. The biocompatibility of the scaffold is improved by the favorable cell-matrix interaction; cells attach to the scaffold well and release large amounts of extracellular matrix in vitro.ObjectivesIn this study, we intend to investigate the subcutaneous vascularization and biocompatibility of gelatin nanofibers that have been used in cardiac tissue engineering.MethodsIn this article, ultrafine gelatin fibers were successfully produced with the using of the electrospinning technique. Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate nanostructure of the prepared fibers. After the morphological evaluation of fibers, the optimal scaffold was selected and checked against HUVEC cells with MTT assay. Additionally, the vascularization potential of the prepared scaffolds was examined subcutaneously in mouses. In the present study, we evaluated in vivo angiogenesis by retrieving the subcutaneous vascular scaffolds after 2 and 4 weeks.Results and discussionPrepared scaffolds held open pores with randomly oriented nanofibers. The in vitro cell culture confirmed that gelatin scaffolds were as supportive as tissue culture plate. The scaffolds also promoted vascularization with good integration with the surrounding tissue. samples in the subcutaneous tissue did not induce an acute severe inflammatory reaction. Histological sections clearly showed extensive angiogenesis compared with subcutaneous space. The scaffold was biocompatible, meaning that it would integrate with the host tissue without eliciting a major immune response.

کلیدواژه ها:

Cardiac tissue engineering ، Gelatin nanofiber ، Electrospinning ، Vascularization