Gelatin-Siloxane Hybrid Scaffolds with Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Induces Brain Tissue Regeneration

In the brain after infarction or trauma, the tissue becomes pannecrotic and forms a cavity. In such situation, a scaffold is necessary to produce new tissue. In this study, we implanted a new porous gelatin-siloxane hybrid derived from gelatin and 3-(glycidoxypropyl) trimethoxysilane (gelatin-GPTMS) scaffolds into a brain defect, and investigated whether it makes a new brain tissue. In addition, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was added on gelatin- GPTMS scaffolds and its effect on tissue regeneration was examined. At 30 days after the implantation, the marginal territory of the scaffolds became occupied by newly formed tissue. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the new tissue was constituted by endothelial, astroglial and microglial cells, some of which were labeled for bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). Addition of VEGF promoted numbers of these cells. Thus, combination of gelatin-GPTMS scaffolds and VEGF is preferable for brain regeneration.