A macroporous hydrogel for the coculture of neural progenitor and endothelial cells to form functional vascular networks in vivo.

ABSTRACT: A microvascular network is critical for the survival and function of most tissues. We have investigated the potential of neural progenitor cells to augment the formation and stabilization of microvascular networks in a previously uncharacterized three-dimensional macroporous hydrogel and the ability of this engineered system to develop a functional microcirculation in vivo. The hydrogel is synthesized by cross-linking polyethylene glycol with polylysine around a salt-leached polylactic-co-glycolic acid scaffold that is degraded in a sodium hydroxide solution. An open macroporous network is formed that supports the efficient formation of tubular structures by brain endothelial cells. After subcutaneous implantation of hydrogel cocultures in mice, blood flow in new microvessels was apparent

SUBMITTER: Ford MC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1413771 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature