Vascularization is a prerequisite to achieve tissue regeneration especially for long-term survival of a scaffold. During the regeneration process, the delivery of angiogenic factors is very important for developing a vascular network. In this paper, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-loaded 3D porous bacterial cellulose/gelatin (B/G) scaffolds modified with heparin were firstly prepared. The pro-angiogenic effects of scaffolds towards proliferation and migration of endothelial cells (PIECs) were evaluated as well as in vivo implantation. Results showed that the B/G scaffold modified with heparin could provide a prolonged release of VEGF for two weeks. In vitro cellular assays showed that proliferation and migration were promoted in the presence of VEGF. Subcutaneous implantation demonstrated that angiogenesis was significantly improved for the heparinized scaffolds loaded with VEGF (V-B/G/H), compared to B/G scaffold. The resulting scaffold with sustained delivery of VEGF could be potential and effective tissue engineered candidates in tissue regeneration for future clinical applications.

血管化是实现组织再生的前提，特别是对于支架的长期存活。在再生过程中，血管生成因子的传递对于建立血管网络非常重要。本文首先制备了载有肝素修饰的3D多孔细菌纤维素/明胶（B / G）支架的血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）。评估了支架对内皮细胞（PIECs）增殖和迁移的促血管生成作用以及体内植入。结果表明，用肝素修饰的B / G支架可以将VEGF的释放延长2周。体外细胞试验表明，在存在VEGF的情况下促进了增殖和迁移。皮下植入显示，与B / G支架相比，载有VEGF（VB / G / H）的肝素化支架显着改善了血管生成。产生的具有持续释放的VEGF的支架可能是组织再生中潜在和有效的组织工程候选物，用于未来的临床应用。