Self-assembled VEGF-R2 targeting DNA aptamer-collagen fibers stimulate an angiogenic-like endothelial cell phenotype

Vascularization of engineered tissue is one the hallmark challenges engineering. Leveraging self-assembled nucleic acid-collagen complexes (NACCs), we mixed a VEGF-R2 targeting aptamer or its receptor agonist divalent assembly with type I collagen to assemble NACC microfibers. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) quickly remodeled these fibers into tubulogenic-like structures over 48 h. Moreover, NACCs made promoted enhanced expression von Willebrand factor (vWF), angiopoietin-2 (ANGPT-2), and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) by HUVECs as measured either immunocytochemistry ELISA. The findings suggest, cell phenotype was directed both biochemical cues afforded behavior well biophysical fibrous topography. Collectively, results support development an angiogenic stimulated fibers. Thus, combination DNA nanotechnology DNA-collagen complexation phenomena promising biofunctional natural scaffold material system for engineering regenerative medicine applications.