Magnetic Nanoparticle-Embedded Hydrogel Sheet with a Groove Pattern for Wound Healing Application

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) can induce a pro-angiogenic response during tissue repair. Recently, EPC transplantations have been widely investigated in wound healing applications. To maximize the healing efficacy by EPCs, a unique scaffold design that allows cell retention and function would be desirable for in situ delivery. Herein, we fabricated an alginate/poly- l -ornithine/gelatin (alginate-PLO-gelatin) hydrogel sheet with a groove pattern for use as a cell delivery platform. In addition, we demonstrate the topographical modification of the hydrogel sheet surface with a groove pattern to modulate cell proliferation, alignment, and elongation. We report that the patterned substrate prompted morphological changes of endothelial cells, increased cell–cell interaction, and resulted in the active secretion of growth factors such as PDGF-BB. Additionally, we incorporated magnetic n…