Investigation of a functionalized self-assembling nanopeptide hydrogel loaded with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells to promote vascular regeneration

Abstract Objectives: To investigate the transplantation of a functionalized self-assembling nanopeptide hydrogel loaded with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) into a rabbit hindlimb ischemia model and to evaluate its effect in promoting vascular regeneration in ischemic tissues.Methods: Functionalized self-assembling nanopeptide hydrogels were synthesized, and the physical and chemical properties of the hydrogels were observed by electron microscopy. Primary AD-MSCs were isolated, cultured, immunophenotyped, induced to differentiate, and verified. The self-assembling nanopeptide hydrogel was combined with mesenchymal stem cells for the three-dimensional culture of AD-MSCs, and the growth characteristics were investigated. Animal models were injected with AD-MSC-loaded self-assembled peptide hydrogel, and the therapeutic effects on arterial ischemia were analyzed.Results: The pore size of the functionalized self-assembling nanopeptide hydrogel was suitable for cell growth. Stem cells had a tendency for migration, differentiation, and angiogenesis in three-dimensional culture. The experimental results of transplantation into the rabbit hindlimb ischemia model showed that the functionalized self-assembling nanopeptide hydrogel loaded with AD-MSCs had better efficacy than AD-MSC transplantation alone.Conclusion: Functionalized self-assembling nanopeptide hydrogels can be used as scaffold materials for three-dimensional culture of AD-MSCs. Functionalized self-assembling peptide hydrogels combined with AD-MSCs have better therapeutic effects than traditional stem cell therapies and can promote vascular regeneration.