In vivo enhancement of arteriogenesis using human cell-seeded scaffolds

This work is focused on the fabrication and characterization of 3D scaffolds as a promising option for revascularization of ischemic tissues. To overcome the limitations of cells therapy, we propose the design of bio-engineered scaffolds able to ensure a precise homing of cells in the area of implantation. Two classes of scaffolds were developed and compared: hydrogel (HG) and hybrid (HB). While HG are fabricated with the traditional method of Soft-Lithography, HB are achieved by the combination of microfabrication techniques as Pressure Assisted Microsyringe2 (PAM2) and electrospinning and by the composition of different biomaterials.
The scaffolds were characterized, cellularized with Adventitial Progenitor Cells (APCs) isolated from saphenous veins and implanted in mice model of critical limb ischemia (LI). The effect of the procedure was studied by blood flow recovery assay and perivascular angiogenesis assays.