Effects of Collagen Microstructure on the Transport Properties of Vascularized Engineered Tissues
When vascular perfusion is compromised within the body, a number of physiological phenomena can occur, including the progression of disease states (e.g. peripheral vascular disease), impaired wound healing, and organ/tissue transplant failure. Therefore, there is a need for an engineered tissue construct that promotes therapeutic vasculogenesis by enhancing the formation of functional, stabilized vessel networks that have the ability to integrate with the host vasculature. In order to restore tissue structure and function, a matrix-based delivery system, which combines a biopolymer and endothelial precursor cells, is necessary to ensure the localization and guidance of vessel formation and stabilization.