Hyaluronic-Acid Based Hydrogels as a Novel Bioscaffold for Cell Encapsulation and Angiogenic Growth Factor Delivery onto Moving Tissue and Organs

A series of experiments were carried out to address the lack in therapeutic cell/drug delivery devices capable of targeting moving tissues and organs. First the in vivo angiogenic response to dual growth factor delivery by an in situ polymerizing hyaluronic acid hydrogel was investigated via direct elicited microvessel counts. Second a HA-silk biocomposite was fabricated, physically characterized and its potential use as an implantable drug or cell delivery vehicle established. Finally, hydrogel composition was optimized for survival and growth of cells encapsulated prior to hydrogel polymerization. The combination these experiments should lead to the development of a securable non-tissue site specific biocomposite capable of sustained cell growth and drug delivery as well as fostering an angiogenic response in and around the implant site.