Integrin Beta 3 Targeting Biomaterial Preferentially Promotes Secretion Of Bfgf And Viability Of Ipsc-Derived Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived-vascular smooth muscle cells (hiPSC-VSMC) and their secretome have been shown to promote angiogenesis and wound healing. However, there is a paucity of research on how the extracellular matrix (ECM) microenvironment may impact the hiPSC-VSMC's functions. In this study, we investigated the effect of specific ECM ligand-integrin interaction on hiPSC-VSMC's paracrine secretion, cell viability, and morphology. Here, we show precise modulation of hiPSC-VSMC in a fibronectin functionalized fibrillar collagen scaffold by targeting their integrin beta 3. The secretion of proangiogenic growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was found to be fibronectin-dependent via alpha v beta 3 integrin interactions. In addition, our data show the possible role of a positive feedback loop between integrin beta 3, bFGF, and matrix metalloproteinase-2 in regulating hiPSC-VSMC's morphology and cell viability. Finally, the secretome with enhanced bFGF shows potential for future wound healing applications.