Heparin modification of a biomimetic bone matrix for controlled release of VEGF

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Bone regeneration using tissue engineered constructs requires strategies to effectively stimulate vascularization within such a construct that is crucial for its supply and integration with the host tissue. In this work, porous scaffolds of a collagen/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite were modified with heparin to generate biomimetic bone matrices which are able to release angiogenic factors in a controlled manner. Heparin was either integrated during material synthesis (in situ) or added to the scaffolds after their fabrication (post). Both approaches resulted in stable incorporation of heparin into the matrix of mineralized collagen. Investigations of binding and release of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A165) loaded onto the scaffolds revealed an enhanced binding capacity as well as a sustained and nearly constant delivery of VEGF as result of both heparin modification methods. The release rate could be controlled by varying the quantity of incorporated heparin and the modification method. Although the biological activity of VEGF released after 7 days from the unmodified scaffolds was reduced in comparison to control VEGF, it was maintained after release from post or even enhanced after release from in situ modified scaffolds. In conclusion, the heparin-modified scaffolds of mineralized collagen exhibited favorable growth factor binding and release properties and may be beneficial to stimulate vascularization.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3500–3511
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research - Part A
Volume102
Issue number10
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2013
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

researchoutputwizard legacy.publication#56932
Scopus 84906789603
researchoutputwizard legacy.publication#54554
researchoutputwizard legacy.publication#60366
ORCID /0000-0001-9075-5121/work/142237795
ORCID /0000-0002-6741-0608/work/199962845

Keywords

Keywords

  • Heparin modification of a biomimetic bone matrix for controlled release of VEGF.