Engineering Vascularized Adipose Tissue Using Microvascular Fragments in Fibrin Hydrogels

摘要

This data demonstrates that MVFs cultured in a 3D fibrin construct are capable of being a source of engineered adipose tissue as demonstrated by their ability to not only form lipid droplets, but also through the increase in expression levels of adiponectin and PPRGamma, both common adipogenic markers. Combining this newfound knowledge and the MVF's known ability to form vascular networks, we were additionally able to show that MVFs could serve as a sole source for creating a vascularized adipose tissue scaffold. Future studies will focus on determining the optimal culture conditions, in terms of nutrients and hydrogel formulation, to support the development of a clinically relevant approach to improve soft tissue defect reconstruction.