Angiogenesis in Prevascularized Biomaterials: an in silico study

An agent-based model is developed to simulate angiogenesis in porous biomaterial scaffolds. This study investigates the influence of the existence of preperformed capillaries within the scaffolds on angiogenesis. Different configurations of capillary structures were tested and compared with empty scaffolds. Simulation results indicate that prevascularization of scaffolds before implantation supports rapid and stable blood vessel network development. The results were consistent with experimental studies from the literature.