| abstract |
(57) [Summary] A polypeptide growth factor is linked to a substrate to promote population of the substrate and endothelial cells. When a growth factor is cross-linked to a substrate, a prosthesis is formed. A preferred polypeptide growth factor is VEGF. VEGF-treated tissue can be clustered with endothelial cells in vitro and / or in vivo . Alternative approaches include contacting the substrate with the VEGF solution directly, applying VEGF to the substrate using an adhesive as a coating, or chemically bonding VEGF to the substrate (linker molecule). VEGF can be bound to a substrate, with or without intermediary. In one preferred approach, the growth factor is linked to the substrate by crosslinking under moderately mild conditions so that the growth factor retains activity after the crosslinking process. |