Abstract
Constructing vascular scaffolds is important in tissue engineering. However, scaffolds with characteristics such as multiple layers and a certain degree of spatial morphology still cannot be readily constructed by current vascular scaffolds fabrication techniques. This paper presents a three-layered bifurcated vascular scaffold with a curved structure. The technique combines 3D printed molds and casting hydrogel and fugitive ink to create vessel-mimicking constructs with customizable structural parameters. Compared with other fabrication methods, the technique can create more native-like 3D geometries. The diameter and wall thickness of the fabricated constructs can be independently controlled, providing a feasible approach for vascular scaffold construction. Enzymatically-crosslinked gelatin was used as the scaffold material. The morphology and mechanical properties were evaluated. Human umbilical cord derived endothelial cells (HUVECs) were seeded on the scaffolds and cultured for 72 h. Cell viability and morphology were assessed. The results showed that the proposed process had good application potentials, and will hopefully provide a feasible approach for constructing vascular scaffolds.
Highlights
Vascular diseases are among the leading causes of death throughout the world.[1,2] There is an immense need for tissue engineered artificial blood vessels because of lack of suitable autologous vessels.[3,4] Synthetic materials such as Dacron and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) have been successfully applied to the high flow rate cases, but are not suited for lower flow rate conditions.[5,6,7] Small-diameter synthetic vascular grafts have shown poor patency rates, increasing the risks of thrombosis, which could further cause early graft occlusion, thrombosis and aneurysm.[8]
The inner channel of the scaffold became visible after perfused with yellow acrylic paint solution (Fig. 3(b)), which demonstrated its connectivity
The method used in this study combined 3D printed molds, casting hydrogel and fugitive ink, providing a facile technique to construct a range of vascular scaffolds whose morphologies are close to those of the original blood vessels
Summary
Vascular diseases are among the leading causes of death throughout the world.[1,2] There is an immense need for tissue engineered artificial blood vessels because of lack of suitable autologous vessels.[3,4] Synthetic materials such as Dacron and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) have been successfully applied to the high flow rate cases, but are not suited for lower flow rate conditions.[5,6,7] Small-diameter (inner diameter
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