The problem of tissue vascularization is one of the obstacles that currently restricts the application of tissue engineering products to the clinic. Achieving tissue vascularization and providing adequate nutrients for tissues are an urgent problem to build complex and effective tissue-engineered tissues and organs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of tetrahedral DNA nanostructures (TDNs), a novel and biocompatible nanomaterial, on angiogenesis. The results showed that TDNs can enter into endothelial cells (ECs) and promote EC proliferation, migration, tube formation, and expressions of angiogenic growth factors at the concentration of 250 nmol L-1, which was accompanied by activation of the Notch signaling pathway. These results provided a theoretical basis for the further understanding and potential use of TDNs in tissue engineering vascularization.
Keywords: angiogenesis; endothelial cells; migration; proliferation; tetrahedral DNA nanostructures.