Three Dimensional Photolithographic Patterning of Proteins in Hydrogels for Fabrication of Gradient Biomaterials to Direct Cell and Vessel Growth

摘要

This study offers insight in design of synthetic scaffolds that can be used to promote directed and guided vessel formation within engineered tissues. By utilizing TP-LSL, we demonstrate control over spatial localization of protein signaling and create biomolecule gradients that can be tuned and modulated for mimicking physiological signaling in 3D PEG hydrogels. In scaffolds containing these gradients, tubule sprout invasion was observed to be oriented in the direction of the gradient with tubule invasion length being significantly greater than the control hydrogels.