Researchers at the Northwestern University have created a unique nanostructure that triggers a series of complex actions to promote the formation of new blood vessels, thereby contributing a therapy for situations that require increased flow of blood to supply the needed oxygen to the tissues.
The study was headed by Samuel I. Stupp, Professor of Medicine, Engineering, Materials Science, and Chemistry. The artificial structure developed by Stupp’s team mimics natural protein referred to as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
This nanostructure provides key advantages over VEGF. It can easily be injected into the tissue in the form of a liquid. This structure stays in the tissue for a longer duration and cost incurred is less than the protein production cost. VEGF did not provide good results when tested in humans as trials because it was unable to stay in the tissue for a longer period.
This research team developed the nanostructure in a fiber form that holds a high density of peptides on its surface, almost several thousands per fiber. The peptides imitate the biological properties of VEGF that signals the cells for the growth of new blood vessels. The huge number of active peptides leads to a robust therapy. In addition, the stability and size of the nanofiber allows the structure to be retained in the tissue for a longer time after being injected. After completing the development process, the nanostructure was tested in vivo.
The research team employed an animal model suffering peripheral arterial disease and tested how effectively the nanofiber treats the condition. The normal blood flow in the limbs of those diseases animals were limited to just 5 to 10%. On treating with the nanofiber, the blood flow increased from 75 to 80%. However, treatment done using the peptides alone did not produce similar effects; it required a nanostructure to generate the expected results.
Source: http://www.northwestern.edu/