Prefabrication of Vascularized Porous Three-Dimensional Scaffold Induced from rhVEGF165: A Preliminary Study in Rats

Abstract

Background/Aims: Several shortcomings have limited the routine use of autogenous vascularized bone graft. The present study investigates the prefabrication of vascularized scaffold with the desired shape and microarchitecture combined with recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (rhVEGF₁₆₅) to mimic autogenous vascularized bone graft. Methods: Eighty-five porous calcium phosphate cement scaffolds constructed by rapid prototyping technology were divided into four groups: group A [rhVEGF₁₆₅-fibrin sealant (FS) scaffold], group B (hVEGF₁₆₅ scaffold), group C (FS scaffold), and group D (scaffold alone). The release of rhVEGF₁₆₅ from the scaffolds was examined in vitro. The vessel density, relative functionalized vessels, vessel diameter and relative vessel area were also measured. Results: The sustained release of hVEGF₁₆₅ lasted 14 days in the absence of plasmin and 12 days in the presence of plasmin in group A and 10 days in group B. There was no statistical difference between groups A and B at 2 or 4 weeks in terms of vessel density, relative functionalized vessels, vessel diameter, and relative vessel area, as between groups C and D. However, the above parameters were greater in groups A and B than groups C and D. Conclusion: The scaffolds with the desired shape and microarchitecture combined with rhVEGF₁₆₅ could shorten the time needed for the construction of prefabricated vascularized grafts and accelerate the maturation of the vessels.