Enhanced infarct stabilization and neovascularization mediated by VEGF-loaded PEGylated fibrinogen hydrogel in a rodent myocardial infarction model

Most tissue engineering therapies require biomaterials that are able to induce an angiogenic response to support tissue regeneration. In addition angiogenic growth factor signaling plays an essential role in controlling the process of angiogenesis and matrices have the potential of regulating the concentration of growth factors within the cellular microenvironment. Here we demonstrated myocardial protection and improved post-infarct vascularization of the infarcted hearts using a biosynthetic injectable hydrogel consisting of polyethylene glycol and fibrinogen (PEG-fibrinogen) loaded with vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A). Our data revealed PEG-fibrinogen hydrogel was able to store and release VEGF-A in a sustained and controlled fashion. Upon injection after coronary artery ligation, the VEGF-loaded hydrogel significantly improved arteriogenesis and cardiac performance at 4 weeks post-infarction. The results support the future application of PEG-fibrinogen for regulating growth factor signaling in cellular microenvironment and may demonstrates a new strategy for cardiovascular repair with potential for future clinical applications.