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Biomaterials

Biomaterials - Poster Session E

Poster N4 - Aptamer-Functionalized Nucleic Acid-Collagen Complexes: A Bioactive Matrix for Promoting Angiogenesis

Saturday, October 26, 2024
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST
Location: Exhibit Hall E, F & G

Introduction:  

Introduction: The growing demand for organ regeneration has propelled the advancement of biomaterial technologies aimed at recreating tissue-like structures and simulating an extracellular matrix-like microenvironment. Our goal is to stimulate the promotion of angiogenesis, which is vital for cell survival and the functionality of tissues. Nucleic acid-collagen complexes (NACCs) represent an entirely native biomaterial that could provide localized and targeted bioactivity specifically for angiogenesis through the use of function-specific DNA aptamers. NACCs are formed through the spontaneous self-assembly of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) with collagen and can be customized with any specific oligonucleotide sequence. They can potentially demonstrate targeted bioactivity without relying on growth factor supplementation, and their micro- and nano-fiber composition can provide structural support to endothelial cells.

Materials and

Methods:  Materials and

Methods: To test the capability of NACCs in stimulating angiogenesis in endothelial cells, we employed a DNA aptamer sequence known to act as an agonist to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR-2). Our group engineered a divalent form of the monomer aptamer that selectively binds the VEGFR-2 on endothelial cells, activating it. We conducted sprouting and tubulogenesis assays to observe the formation of endothelial cell tubules and sprouts within the biomaterial. Using phase contrast and confocal microscopy, we compared endothelial cell morphologies on NACCs with the aptamer-specific ssDNA, a non-bioactive random ssDNA sequence, and Matrigel (a "gold-standard" matrix used regularly in tubule formation assays). Furthermore, we utilized an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure the secretion of proteins involved in angiogenic signal transduction pathways, such as ANG-2.

Results, Conclusions, and Discussions: Our findings show the potential of NACCs to support angiogenesis and sustain angiogenic functions, the ability to mimic the support role of the extracellular matrix in endothelial cells and influence the secretion of proteins that are fundamental for angiogenesis, facilitated by the presence of the aptamer. We are committed to advancing NACCs as dynamic biomaterials for translational medical applications.

Acknowledgements (Optional):