Collagen-Polymer Guidance of Vessel Network Formation and Stabilization by Endothelial Colony Forming Cells In Vitro
Date
Language
Embargo Lift Date
Department
Committee Members
Degree
Degree Year
Department
Grantor
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Found At
Abstract
Vessel morphogenesis is vital to regenerative medicine strategies. Here, collagen polymers, specified by intermolecular cross-link composition, are used to independently vary microstructure (fibril density, interfibril branching) and physical properties (stiffness) to guide 3D vessel network formation by endothelial colony forming cells (ECFC) in vitro. Increasing stiffness, by modulation of fibril density or interfibril branching, increases vessel diameter, length and branching. Oligomer matrices also induce vessel stabilization via type IV collagen deposition. This work shows that ECFC vessel formation depends on the interplay of collagen microstructure and physical properties and names oligomers and intermolecular cross-links as key design parameters for vascular-inductive matrices.