Tissue-engineered matrix as functional delivery system: Controlled release of bioactive pro-angiogenic peptide from degradable PCL scaffold.

In tissue engineering in fact, angiogenesis is a process of fundamental importance in many physiological processes such as normal tissue growth, being responsible of creating a vascular network capable of providing oxygen and nutrients to the neo-formed tissue. Vessel formation is mediated by specific soluble growth factors, such as Vascular-Endothelial Growth Factor. Biocompatible scaffolds represent a valuable structural support, but also as a potential guide for regenerative processes. They must satisfy specific physical and mechanical properties, such as a high, interconnected porosity, mechanical strength and in addition to satisfying the obvious requests of biocompatibility. This work aims to analyze the bioactive potential of a scaffold designed with a "bottom up" technique in which the construct is seen as the assembly of single units (building blocks) each with its on specific, pre-designed, function.we developed an assembly procedure based on solvent sinterization of microspherical building blocks. These constructs were loaded with interspersing PLGA drug delivery systems (DDSs) for the release of angiogenic factors or similar molecules.Specifically, QK, the "engineered VEGF mimicking peptide" was loaded onto these DDS. We wanted to demonstrate that QK maintains its pro-angiogenic activity in the context of an application in which PCL scaffolds, made following a bottom up approach, are loaded with DDS controlled release.