| 초록 |
Low oxygen (O2) tension, defined as hypoxia, has been implicated as a key regulator that promotes vascular development in various biological processes. While the hypoxia plays a critical role in vascular development, nobody has simulated controlled hypoxia in 3D cellular microenvironments. Herein, we present a polymeric hydrogel that provides an artificial hypoxic microenvironment to promote vascular development in vitro and in vivo. We designed O2-controllable hydrogels formed with O2 consumption in laccase-mediated reaction, and characterized their physicochemical properties. In addition, we evaluated the effects of a hypoxic microenvironment on the vascular tube formation of endothelial progenitor cells in vitro and on blood vessel recruitment in vivo. This approach can be adapted for many other polymers and may encourage innovation in a broad range of applications, including the study and treatment of hypoxia-regulated disorders as well as vascular tissue regeneration. |
