Angiogenesis and Wound Healing Mechanisms in Tissue Engineering
Summary
Angiogenesis and wound healing are intimately connected processes that underpin the success of tissue‐engineered constructs. Angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels from pre‐existing vasculature, supplies oxygen, nutrients and signalling cues essential for cell survival and tissue maturation. In a healing wound, coordinated phases of haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and remodelling depend on the timely arrival of endothelial cells, pericytes and immune cells. Tissue engineering seeks to recreate this dynamic microenvironment through biomimetic scaffolds, bioactive molecules and controlled mechanical cues. Scaffolds fashioned from natural or synthetic polymers provide three‐dimensional frameworks for cell attachment and guide neovascularisation. Bioactive factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor and ascorbic acid stimulate endothelial proliferation, migration and tubulogenesis. Decellularised matrices retain native extracellular architecture and endogenous signalling moieties, while engineered polymer emulsions and hydrogels can be decorated with cell‐derived matrix to enhance integration. Emerging models also combine dynamic perfusion and vascular network bioreactors to accelerate vessel formation under physiologically relevant flow. Ultimately, advances in scaffold design, growth‐factor delivery and microphysiological modelling are converging to accelerate wound closure, restore vascularised tissue and translate regenerative therapies to clinical practice.
Research from Nature Portfolio
Recent studies have demonstrated the design of functional wound dressings by grafting polylactide‐based macromolecules onto cotton substrates to carry hydrophobic drugs. Surface‐initiated polymerisation of lactide, followed by loading with ibuprofen‐loaded PLA or PLA‐PEG, yields anti‐inflammatory dressings that modulate cytokine secretion and promote fibroblast viability. These textiles offer a controlled drug‐release profile determined by the polymer grafting density and processing steps, presenting a versatile platform for prolonged analgesic and anti‐inflammatory therapy in wound healing applications.
Angiogenesis and Wound Healing Mechanisms in Tissue Engineering publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in angiogenesis and wound healing mechanisms in tissue engineering across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Angiogenesis: Formation of new blood vessels from pre‐existing vasculature, essential for tissue perfusion and repair.
Scaffold: A three‐dimensional structure designed to support cell adhesion, proliferation and tissue formation.
Extracellular matrix (ECM): Network of proteins and polysaccharides providing structural and biochemical support to cells.
Decellularisation: Process of removing cellular components from a tissue or organ, leaving the native ECM intact.
PolyHIPE: Porous polymer scaffold created by polymerising a high internal phase emulsion to achieve high interconnectivity.
Chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay: In vivo model using the avian chorioallantoic membrane to evaluate angiogenic activity.
Neovascularisation: Formation of functional microvascular networks, encompassing both angiogenesis and vasculogenesis.
References
- Compatibilizing of cotton fabric with hydrophobic drug cover layer for anti-inflammatory performance with the implementation of ibuprofen. Scientific Reports (2024).
- Enhancing wound regeneration potential of fibroblasts using ascorbic acid-loaded decellularized baby spinach leaves. Polymer Bulletin (2024).
- Bioengineering Vascular Networks to Study Angiogenesis and Vascularization of Physiologically Relevant Tissue Models in Vitro. ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering (2020).
- Decellularised extracellular matrix decorated PCL PolyHIPE scaffolds for enhanced cellular activity, integration and angiogenesis. Biomaterials Science (2021).
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