Development of a Novel Hierarchically Biofabricated Blood Vessel Mimic Decorated with Three Vascular Cell Populations for the Reconstruction of Small‐Diameter Arteries

• DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202300621
• Publication Date: 2023-11-03T21:54:42Z
• Authors: Michele Carrabba; Marco Fagnano; Mohamed T Ghorbel; Filippo Rapetto; Bo Su; Carmelo De Maria; Giovanni Vozzi; Giovanni Biglino; Adam W. Perriman; Massimo Caputo; Paolo Madeddu
• Keywords: 610; 3D bioprinting; electrospinning; hierarchical biofabricated grafts; tissue engineering vascular grafts; vascular cells; Article

Abstract The availability of grafts to replace small‐diameter arteries remains an unmet clinical need. Here, the validated methodology is reported for a novel hybrid tissue‐engineered vascular graft that aims match natural structure small‐size arteries. blood vessel mimic (BVM) comprises internal conduit co‐electrospun gelatin and polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers (corresponding tunica intima artery), reinforced by additional layer PCL aligned fibers (the elastic membrane). Endothelial cells are deposited onto luminal surface using rotative bioreactor. A bioprinting system extrudes two concentric cell‐laden hydrogel layers containing respectively smooth muscle pericytes create media adventitia. semi‐automated cellularization process reduces production maturation time 6 days. After evaluation mechanical properties, cellular viability, hemocompatibility, suturability, BVM successfully implanted in left pulmonary artery swine. showed good hemostatic capability withstand pressure, patency at 5 weeks post‐implantation. These promising data open new avenue developing artery‐like product reconstructing vessels.