Technology for the formation of engineered microvascular network models and their biomedical applications

Nano Convergence

Table 2 Properties of various biomaterials for microvascular network formation

Material	Material type	Properties	Ref.
Collagen	Natural	High mechanical strength, can be polymerized with different materials	[86, 88, 89]
Fibrin	Natural	Requires thrombin activation; Readily biodegradation properties; Poor mechanical strength; High biocompatibility	[87, 91]
Matrigel	Natural	The composition is unidentified, however, it offers an adequate environment for the proliferation of cells	[89, 100, 102]
Gelatin	Natural	Promotes and maintains cell viability; Biodegradable	[104]
Alginate	Natural	Controlled biodegradation, low viscosity, and crosslinking with Ca²⁺ to form gel fibers that are optimal materials for bioprinting	[56, 107]
GelMA	Synthetic	Provides a biocompatible and hydrophilic environment for cells. The mechanical strength can be adjusted as required	[56, 111]
PEG/ PEGDA	Synthetic	It is non-biodegradable, exhibits weak mechanical properties, lacks suitability for cell culture, and necessitates the use of binding peptides or degrading enzymes	[53, 113]
PLA	Synthetic	Biocompatibility, degradability is appropriate, high hydrophobicity, needs to be combined with hydrophilic materials	[115, 116]