Triggers Localized Angiogenesis by Self-Assembling DNA-Aptamer-Collagen Matrices Without External Growth Factors
This injectable bioactive hydrogel induces angiogenesis locally by self-assembling DNA-aptamer-collagen matrices without external growth factors. Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from preexisting vasculature, supports tissue repair, regeneration, and oxygen delivery. While tightly regulated under normal physiological conditions, impaired or insufficient angiogenesis is a major barrier to healing in chronic wounds, ischemic tissues, and degenerative conditions. Current pro-angiogenic strategies primarily rely on recombinant growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which suffer from rapid degradation, high cost, short half-life, and off-target effects, while cell-based therapies raise issues of immune compatibility, scalability, and regulatory complexity. Therefore, there is an evident need for an injectable platform that provides a sustained, biomimetic pro-angiogenic microenvironment while meeting the growing demand for safe, localized, and cost-effective angiogenic therapies in regenerative medicine. The global tissue engineering and regenerative medicine market continues to expand rapidly, as the global market size was valued at USD 19.36 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 43.13 billion by 2030.
Researchers at the University of Florida developed an injectable hydrogel platform for inducing localized angiogenesis. The system is built from nucleic acid-collagen complexes (NACCs), a novel class of biomaterials formed through the self-assembly of type I collagen and single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). In this platform, NACCs are functionalized with a DNA aptamer designed to activate vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2), a key regulator of angiogenic signaling. By eliminating the need for exogenous growth factors or cell transplantation, this aptamer-functionalized hydrogel system represents a promising and scalable solution for promoting vascularization and tissue repair.
Application
This injectable hydrogel platform induces localized delivery of pro-angiogenic signals in regenerative medicine, including applications in wound healing, ischemic tissue repair, and tissue engineering scaffolds
Advantages
- Promotes host tissue integration and neovascularization, accelerating healing through rapid cell infiltration and scaffold remodeling
- Triggers VEGFR-2 signaling without the need for recombinant proteins, reducing cost and improving stability
- Self-assembles into injectable hydrogel, allowing minimally invasive administration via standard needles for precise, localized treatment
- Provides enhanced biocompatibility and stability, protecting embedded aptamers from degradation while minimizing systemic inflammation and immune response
Technology
The platform consists of an injectable hydrogel formed through the self-assembly of type I collagen and single-stranded DNA, creating nucleic acid-collagen complexes (NACCs) with integrated biological functionality. The system is functionalized with a VEGFR-2-activating DNA aptamer that selectively binds and stimulates receptor signaling pathways critical for angiogenesis. Upon injection, the hydrogel exhibits shear-thinning behavior, enabling minimally invasive delivery while maintaining structural integrity at the target site. Within the matrix, the collagen scaffold supports endothelial cell adhesion, proliferation, and three-dimensional organization, while the embedded aptamer promotes receptor-mediated vascular signaling. The hydrogel protects the aptamer from nuclease degradation, ensuring sustained bioactivity in physiological environments. This platform supports localized vascular remodeling, host cell infiltration, and new blood vessel formation without the need for exogenous growth factors or cell transplantation. Compatible with in vivo and in vitro applications, the technology provides a programmable, biocompatible system for promoting angiogenesis and advancing regenerative medicine strategies.
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