Issue 20, 2016

Three-dimensional culture of small-diameter vascular grafts

Abstract

In this review we analyze a representative sample of efforts to engineer three dimensional small-diameter (<6 mm) vascular grafts, concentrating on biomaterial substrates, cellular choices, and biomechanical stimulation. Natural or synthetic scaffolds for vascular engineering need to mimic the natural extracellular matrix microenvironment, maintain physiological mechanical properties, be biocompatible and cell adhesive, and control cellular structure and function. Additionally, multicellular culture with stem cells that are highly proliferative and differentiable should be used to better recapitulate native vasculature. Fluid flow and co-culture of perivascular and endothelial cells produce synergistic effects. Also, fluid flow prevents cell disengagement and facilitates appropriate cellular orientation, making bioreactors an auspicious addition to graft culturing techniques. Overall, stem cells, co-culture, and pulsatile flow are important for the rapid and successful development of a viable small-diameter tissue engineered vascular graft for in vivo use.

Graphical abstract: Three-dimensional culture of small-diameter vascular grafts

  • This article is part of the themed collection: Stem Cells

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
06 ene. 2016
Accepted
23 feb. 2016
First published
24 feb. 2016

J. Mater. Chem. B, 2016,4, 3443-3453

Three-dimensional culture of small-diameter vascular grafts

M. B. Elliott and S. Gerecht, J. Mater. Chem. B, 2016, 4, 3443 DOI: 10.1039/C6TB00024J

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