Engineering 3D Cellularized Collagen Gels for Vascular Tissue Regeneration

作者： Sébastien Meghezi1, Dawit G. Seifu1,2, Nina Bono1,3, Larry Unsworth2,4,5, Kibret Mequanint6, Diego Mantovani1,2 1Laboratory for Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Department Min-Met-Materials Eng & CHU de Québec Research Center, Canada Research Chair I for the Innovation in Surgery,Laval University, 2NSERC CREATE Program for Regenerative Medicine (NCPRM),Laval University, 3Department Electronics, Information and Bioengineering,Politecnico di Milano, 4Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering,University of Alberta, 5National Institute for Nanotechnology,National Research Council (Canada), 6Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering,University of Western Ontario

简介：

Overview

This study presents a novel technique for the rapid fabrication of living vascular tissues through the direct culturing of collagen, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells. The method emphasizes a one-step combination of these components to create engineered vascular constructs with specific mechanical properties.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

• Vascular tissue engineering
• Cell culture techniques
• Mechanical characterization

Background

• Engineering tubular constructs is crucial for vascular tissue regeneration.
• The interplay between cells and the extracellular matrix is significant during growth and remodeling.
• This method can be adapted for various tissues, including tendons and skin grafts.
• Static bioreactors are used for maturation of the constructs.

Purpose of Study

• To develop a rapid fabrication technique for vascular tissues.
• To characterize the mechanical properties of engineered constructs.
• To explore the potential applications in regenerative medicine.

Methods Used

• Combination of collagen and smooth muscle cells in a cylindrical mold.
• Maturation of constructs in a static bioreactor.
• Harvesting and seeding of endothelial cells on the construct lumen.
• Mechanical testing to evaluate the properties of the constructs.

Main Results

• Constructs demonstrated significant reduction in diameter during maturation.
• Mechanical tests revealed targeted properties of the engineered tissues.
• The method allows for easy manipulation of constructs during testing.
• Histological and metabolic assays confirmed the viability of the constructs.

Conclusions

• This technique offers a streamlined approach to vascular tissue engineering.
• It provides insights into cellular interactions and tissue properties.
• The method has broad applications in regenerative medicine.

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