23 Jul Angiogenesis and cardiac tissue engineering with peptide hydrogels and related compositions and methods of use thereof
Abstract
The invention provides compositions comprising self-assembling peptide hydrogels and cardiovascular system cells, particularly endothelial cells, cultured in or on the gels. According to certain embodiments of the invention the endothelial cells form capillary-like structures. The endothelial cell-gel matrix serves as a pre-vascularized scaffold that may be used to culture additional cell types. Formation of mature blood vessels in or on the scaffold involves addition of smooth muscle cells and/or fibroblasts. Compositions of the invention may be used for cell culture and for administration to a subject to treat a variety of conditions including, but not limited to, myocardial dysfunction or damage.
Year: 2004
Country: US
Doc No: 2004242469