Dual Aptamer-Functionalized in Situ Injectable Fibrin Hydrogel for Promotion of Angiogenesis via Codelivery of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-BB

Nan Zhao, Akiho Suzuki, Xiaolong Zhang, Peng Shi, Lidya Abune, James Coyne, Huizhen Jia, Na Xiong, Ge Zhang, Yong Wang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

65 Scopus citations

Abstract

In situ injectable hydrogels hold great potential for in vivo applications such as drug delivery and regenerative medicine. However, it is challenging to ensure stable sequestration and sustained release of loaded biomolecules in these hydrogels. As aptamers have high binding affinities and specificities against target biomolecules, we studied the capability of aptamers in functionalizing in situ injectable fibrin (Fn) hydrogels for in vivo delivery of two growth factors including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB). The results show that aptamer-functionalized fibrinogen (Fg) could form in situ injectable Fn hydrogels with porous structures. The aptamer-functionalized Fn hydrogels could sequester more VEGF and PDGF-BB than the native Fn and release these growth factors in a sustained manner with high bioactivity. After the aptamer-functionalized Fn hydrogels were subcutaneously injected into mice, the codelivery of VEGF and PDGF-BB could promote the growth of mature blood vessels. Therefore, this study has successfully demonstrated that aptamer-functionalized in situ injectable hydrogels hold great potential for in vivo codelivery of multiple growth factors and promotion of angiogenesis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)18123-18132
Number of pages10
JournalACS Applied Materials and Interfaces
Volume11
Issue number20
DOIs
StatePublished - May 22 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • angiogenesis
  • aptamer
  • drug delivery
  • growth factor
  • hydrogel

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science

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