Designing an In Vitro Angiogenesis Model from Porcine Arterial ECM Hydrogel for Long-Term High Throughput Research

Background: Angiogenesis research provides deep understandings regarding this important process, which plays fundamental roles in tissue development and different abnormalities. In vitro models offer the advantages of low-cost high throughput research of angiogenesis while sparing animal lives, and enabling the use of human cells. Nevertheless, prevailing in vitro models allow only temporal vessel formation and, consequently, are limited to a few days` assays. Considering these limitations, this study examines the hypothesis that closely mimicking the physiological artery microenvironment can support longer and more reliable angiogenesis processes in vitro.

Methods and results: To this end, the development of a porcine arterial extracellular matrix (paECM) hydrogel is presented, followed by its characterization in terms of composition, structure, and mechanical properties, which confirms the preservation of important characteristics of arterial ECM. This unique hydrogel is then tailored into a model of angiogenesis comprising endothelial cells and supporting cells, in a configuration that allows high throughput quantitative analysis of cell viability and proliferation, cell migration and apoptosis, and revealing the advantages of paECM over frequently-used biomaterials.

Conclusion: Markedly, when applied with well-known effectors of angiogenesis, the model measures reflect the expected response, hence validating its efficacy and establishing its potential as a promising tool for the research of angiogenesis.