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Xiao Y, Cai Z, Xing Y, Fang Z, Ye L, Geng X, Zhang AY, Gu Y, Feng ZG. Fabrication of small-diameter in situ tissue engineered vascular grafts with core/shell fibrous structure and a one-year evaluation via rat abdominal vessel replacement model. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2024; 165:214018. [PMID: 39226677 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2024.214018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
A high vascular patency was realized in the bulk or surface heparinized small-diameter in situ tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) via a rabbit carotid artery replacement model in our previous studies. Those surface heparinized TEVGs could reduce the occurrence of aneurysms, but with a low level of the remodeled elastin, whereas those bulk heparinized TEVGs displayed a faster degradation and an increasing occurrence of aneurysms, but with a high level of the regenerated elastin. To combine the advantages of the bulk and surface graft heparinization to boost the remodeling of elastin and defer the occurrence of aneurysms, a coaxial electro-spinning technique was used to fabricate a kind of small-diameter core/shell fibrous structural in situ TEVGs with a faster degradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) as a core layer and a relatively lower degradable poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) as a shell layer followed by the surface heparinization. The in vitro mechanical performance and enzymatic degradation tests revealed the resulting PLGA@PCL-Hep in situ TEVGs possessing not only a faster degradation rate, but also the mechanical properties comparable to those of human saphenous veins. After implanted in the rat abdominal aorta for 12 months, the good endothelialization, low inflammation, and no calcification were evidenced. Furthermore, the neointima layer of regenerated new blood vessels was basically constructed with a well-organized arrangement of elastin and collagen proteins. The results showed the great potential of these in situ TEVGs to be used as a novel type of long-term small-diameter vascular grafts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghao Xiao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiwen Cai
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Institute of Vascular Surgery, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Department of Vascular Surgery, Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuehao Xing
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiping Fang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Ye
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Geng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Ai-Ying Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yongquan Gu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Institute of Vascular Surgery, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Zeng-Guo Feng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China.
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Wang Z, Mithieux SM, Blum KM, Yi T, Matsuzaki Y, Pham NTH, Hawkett BS, Shinoka T, Breuer CK, Weiss AS. Regional Differences in Vascular Graft Degradation and Regeneration Contribute to Dilation. Tissue Eng Part A 2024. [PMID: 39302061 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2024.0082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe coronary artery disease is often treated with a coronary artery bypass graft using an autologous blood vessel. When this is not available, a commercially available synthetic graft can be used as an alternative but is associated with high failure rates and complications. Therefore, the research focus has shifted toward the development of biodegradable, regenerative vascular grafts that can convert into neoarteries. We previously developed an electrospun tropoelastin (TE)-polyglycerol sebacate (PGS) vascular graft that rapidly regenerated into a neoartery, with a cellular composition and extracellular matrix approximating the native aorta. We noted, however, that the TE-PGS graft underwent dilation until sufficient neotissue had been regenerated. This study investigated the mechanisms behind the observed dilation following TE-PGS vascular graft implantation in mice. We saw more pronounced dilation at the graft middle compared with the graft proximal and graft distal regions at 8 weeks postimplantation. Histological analysis revealed less degradation at the graft middle, although the remaining graft material appeared pitted, suggesting compromised structural and mechanical integrity. We also observed delayed cellular infiltration and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition at the graft middle, corresponding with the area's reduced ability to resist dilation. In contrast, the graft proximal region exhibited greater degradation and significantly enhanced cellular infiltration and ECM regeneration. The nonuniform dilation was attributed to the combined effect of the regional differences in graft degradation and arterial regeneration. Consideration of these findings is crucial for graft optimization prior to its use in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Wang
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Suzanne M Mithieux
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kevin M Blum
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Tai Yi
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Yuichi Matsuzaki
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Nguyen T H Pham
- Key Centre for Polymers and Colloids, School of Chemistry, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brian S Hawkett
- Key Centre for Polymers and Colloids, School of Chemistry, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Toshiharu Shinoka
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Christopher K Breuer
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Anthony S Weiss
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The University of Sydney Nano Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Gorbenko N, Vaccaro JC, Fagan R, Cerro RA, Khorrami JM, Galindo L, Merna N. Perfusion Bioreactor Conditioning of Small-diameter Plant-based Vascular Grafts. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2024:10.1007/s13770-024-00670-0. [PMID: 39354262 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-024-00670-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 10/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular grafts are mainly composed of synthetic materials, but are prone to thrombosis and intimal hyperplasia at small diameters. Decellularized plant scaffolds have emerged that provide promising alternatives for tissue engineering. We previously developed robust, endothelialized small-diameter vessels from decellularized leatherleaf viburnum. This is the first study to precondition and analyze plant-based vessels under physiological fluid flow and pressure waveforms. Using decellularized leatherleaf viburnum as tissue-engineered grafts for implantation can have profound impacts on healthcare due to their biocompatibility and cost-effective production. METHODS A novel perfusion bioreactor was designed, capable of accurately controlling fluid flow rate and pressure waveforms for preconditioning of small-diameter vascular grafts. A closed-loop system controlled pressure waveforms, mimicking physiological values of 50-120 mmHg at a frequency of 8.75 Hz for fluid flow reaching 5 mL/min. Plant-based vascular grafts were recellularized with endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells and cultured for up to 3 weeks in this bioreactor. Cell density, scaffold structure and mechanics, thrombogenicity, and immunogenicity of grafts were evaluated. RESULTS Bioreactor treatment with fluid flow significantly increased luminal endothelial cell density, while pressure waveforms reduced thrombus formation and maintained viable vascular smooth muscle cells within inner layers of grafts compared to static controls. Suture retention of grafts met transplantation standards and white cell viability was suitable for vascular remodeling. CONCLUSION Low thrombogenicity of endothelialized leatherleaf viburnum holds great potential for vascular repair. This study provides insight into benefits of conditioning plant-based materials with hemodynamic forces at higher frequencies that have not previously been investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Gorbenko
- Bioengineering Program, Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science, Hofstra University, 229 Science and Innovation Center, Hempstead, NY, 11549, USA
| | - John C Vaccaro
- Mechanical Engineering Program, Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science, Hofstra University, 200B Weed Hall, Hempstead, NY, 11549, USA
| | - Ryan Fagan
- Bioengineering Program, Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science, Hofstra University, 229 Science and Innovation Center, Hempstead, NY, 11549, USA
| | - Robert A Cerro
- Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science, Hofstra University, 016 Adams Hall, Hempstead, NY, 11549, USA
| | - Jonah M Khorrami
- Bioengineering Program, Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science, Hofstra University, 229 Science and Innovation Center, Hempstead, NY, 11549, USA
| | - Lucia Galindo
- Bioengineering Program, Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science, Hofstra University, 229 Science and Innovation Center, Hempstead, NY, 11549, USA
| | - Nick Merna
- Bioengineering Program, Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science, Hofstra University, 229 Science and Innovation Center, Hempstead, NY, 11549, USA.
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Chen YG, Dombaxe C, D'Amato AR, Van Herck S, Welch H, Fu Q, Zhang S, Wang Y. Transformation of metallo-elastomer grafts in a carotid artery interposition model over a year. Biomaterials 2024; 309:122598. [PMID: 38696943 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Current vascular grafts, primarily Gore-Tex® and Dacron®, don't integrate with the host and have low patency in small-diameter vessels (<6 mm). Biomaterials that possess appropriate viscoelasticity, compliance, and high biocompatibility are essential for their application in small blood vessels. We have developed metal ion crosslinked poly(propanediol-co-(hydroxyphenyl methylene)amino-propanediol sebacate) (M-PAS), a biodegradable elastomer with a wide range of mechanical properties. We call these materials metallo-elastomers. An initial test on Zn-, Fe-, and Cu-PAS grafts reveals that Cu-PAS is the most suitable because of its excellent elastic recoil and well-balanced polymer degradation/tissue regeneration rate. Here we report host remodeling of Cu-PAS vascular grafts in rats over one year. 76 % of the grafts remain patent and >90 % of the synthetic polymer is degraded by 12 months. Extensive cell infiltration leads to a positive host remodeling. The remodeled grafts feature a fully endothelialized lumen. Circumferentially organized smooth muscle cells, elastin fibers, and widespread mature collagen give the neoarteries mechanical properties similar to native arteries. Proteomic analysis further reveals the presence of important vascular proteins in the neoarteries. Evidence suggests that Cu-PAS is a promising material for engineering small blood vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Grace Chen
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Catia Dombaxe
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | | | - Simon Van Herck
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Halle Welch
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Qin Fu
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, Institute of Biotechnology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, Institute of Biotechnology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Yadong Wang
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA.
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Miyachi H, Tara S, Nakayama H, Hama R, Sugiura T, Reinhardt JW, Yi T, Lee YU, Lee AY, Miyamoto S, Shoji T, Nakazawa Y, Breuer CK, Shinoka T. Transmural macrophage migration into an arterial bioresorbable vascular graft promotes inflammatory-mediated response and collagen deposition for vascular remodeling. Acta Biomater 2024; 183:146-156. [PMID: 38838904 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.05.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Macrophages are the primary cell type orchestrating bioresorbable vascular graft (BVG) remodeling and infiltrate from three sources: the adjacent native vessel, circulating blood, and transmural migration from outer surface of the graft. To elucidate the kinetics of macrophage infiltration into the BVG, we fabricated two different bilayer arterial BVGs consisting of a macroporous sponge layer and a microporous electrospun (ES) layer. The Outer ES graft was designed to reduce transmural cell infiltration from the outer surface and the Inner ES graft was designed to reduce cell infiltration from the circulation. These BVGs were implanted in mice as infrarenal abdominal aorta grafts and extracted at 1, 4, and 8 weeks (n = 5, 10, and 10 per group, respectively) for evaluation. Cell migration into BVGs was higher in the Inner ES graft than in the Outer ES graft. For Inner ES grafts, the majority of macrophage largely expressed a pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype but gradually changed to tissue-remodeling M2 macrophages. In contrast, in Outer ES grafts macrophages primarily maintained an M1 phenotype. The luminal surface endothelialized faster in the Inner ES graft; however, the smooth muscle cell layer was thicker in the Outer ES graft. Collagen fibers were more abundant and matured faster in the Inner ES graft than that in the Outer ES graft. In conclusion, compared to macrophages infiltrating from the circulating blood, transmural macrophages from outside promote the acute inflammatory-mediated response for vascular remodeling and subsequent collagen deposition within BVGs. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: To elucidate the kinetics of macrophage infiltration into the bioresorbable vascular graft (BVG), two different bilayer arterial BVGs were implanted in mice as infrarenal abdominal aorta grafts. Cell migration into BVGs was higher in the inner electrospun graft which cells mainly infiltrate from outer surface than in the outer electrospun graft which cells mainly infiltrate from the circulating blood. In the inner electrospun grafts, the majority of macrophages changed from the M1 phenotype to the M2 phenotype, however, outer electrospun grafts maintained the M1 phenotype. Collagen fibers matured faster in the Inner electrospun graft. Compared to macrophages infiltrating from the circulating blood, transmural macrophages from outside promote the acute inflammatory-mediated response for vascular remodeling and subsequent collagen deposition within BVGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Miyachi
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA; Division of Cardiovascular Intensive Care, Nippon Medical School Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuhei Tara
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Nakayama
- QOL Research Center Laboratory, Gunze Limited, Ayabe-Shi, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Rikako Hama
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tadahisa Sugiura
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - James W Reinhardt
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Tai Yi
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yong-Ung Lee
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Avione Y Lee
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Shinka Miyamoto
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Toshihiro Shoji
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yasumoto Nakazawa
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Christopher K Breuer
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Toshiharu Shinoka
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.
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6
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Besseling PJ, Szymczyk W, Teraa M, Toorop RJ, Wu DJ, Driessen RCH, Lichauco AM, Janssen HM, van de Kaa M, den Ouden K, de Bree PM, Fledderus JO, Bouten CVC, de Borst GJ, Dankers PYW, Verhaar MC. Off-the-Shelf Synthetic Biodegradable Grafts Transform In Situ into a Living Arteriovenous Fistula in a Large Animal Model. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303888. [PMID: 38451476 PMCID: PMC11469054 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Current vascular access options require frequent interventions. In situ tissue engineering (TE) may overcome these limitations by combining the initial success of synthetic grafts with long-term advantages of autologous vessels by using biodegradable grafts that transform into autologous vascular tissue at the site of implantation. Scaffolds (6 mm-Ø) made of supramolecular polycarbonate-bisurea (PC-BU), with a polycaprolactone (PCL) anti-kinking-coil, are implanted between the carotid artery and jugular vein in goats. A subset is bio-functionalized using bisurea-modified-Stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF1α) derived peptides and ePTFE grafts as controls. Grafts are explanted after 1 and 3 months, and evaluated for material degradation, tissue formation, compliance, and patency. At 3 months, the scaffold is resorbed and replaced by vascular neo-tissue, including elastin, contractile markers, and endothelial lining. No dilations, ruptures, or aneurysms are observed and grafts are successfully cannulated at termination. SDF-1α-peptide-biofunctionalization does not influence outcomes. Patency is lower in TE grafts (50%) compared to controls (100% patency), predominantly caused by intimal hyperplasia. Rapid remodeling of a synthetic, biodegradable vascular scaffold into a living, compliant arteriovenous fistula is demonstrated in a large animal model. Despite lower patency compared to ePTFE, transformation into autologous and compliant living tissue with self-healing capacity may have long-term advantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J. Besseling
- Department of Nephrology and HypertensionRegenerative Medicine Center UtrechtUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht UniversityUtrecht3584 CXthe Netherlands
- Department of Vascular SurgeryUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht3584 CXthe Netherlands
| | - Wojciech Szymczyk
- Department of Biomedical Engineeringand Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5612 AZthe Netherlands
| | - Martin Teraa
- Department of Nephrology and HypertensionRegenerative Medicine Center UtrechtUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht UniversityUtrecht3584 CXthe Netherlands
- Department of Vascular SurgeryUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht3584 CXthe Netherlands
| | - Raechel J. Toorop
- Department of Vascular SurgeryUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht3584 CXthe Netherlands
| | - Dan Jing Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineeringand Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5612 AZthe Netherlands
| | - Rob C. H. Driessen
- Department of Biomedical Engineeringand Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5612 AZthe Netherlands
- Mechanobiology Services EindhovenDepartment of Biomedical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5612 AZthe Netherlands
| | - Arturo M. Lichauco
- Department of Biomedical Engineeringand Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5612 AZthe Netherlands
| | | | - Melanie van de Kaa
- Department of Nephrology and HypertensionRegenerative Medicine Center UtrechtUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht UniversityUtrecht3584 CXthe Netherlands
| | - Krista den Ouden
- Department of Nephrology and HypertensionRegenerative Medicine Center UtrechtUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht UniversityUtrecht3584 CXthe Netherlands
| | - Petra M. de Bree
- Department of Nephrology and HypertensionRegenerative Medicine Center UtrechtUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht UniversityUtrecht3584 CXthe Netherlands
| | - Joost O. Fledderus
- Department of Nephrology and HypertensionRegenerative Medicine Center UtrechtUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht UniversityUtrecht3584 CXthe Netherlands
| | - Carlijn V. C. Bouten
- Department of Biomedical Engineeringand Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5612 AZthe Netherlands
| | - Gert J. de Borst
- Department of Vascular SurgeryUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht3584 CXthe Netherlands
| | - Patricia Y. W. Dankers
- Department of Biomedical Engineeringand Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5612 AZthe Netherlands
| | - Marianne C. Verhaar
- Department of Nephrology and HypertensionRegenerative Medicine Center UtrechtUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht UniversityUtrecht3584 CXthe Netherlands
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Vuong TNAM, Bartolf‐Kopp M, Andelovic K, Jungst T, Farbehi N, Wise SG, Hayward C, Stevens MC, Rnjak‐Kovacina J. Integrating Computational and Biological Hemodynamic Approaches to Improve Modeling of Atherosclerotic Arteries. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2307627. [PMID: 38704690 PMCID: PMC11234431 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is the primary cause of cardiovascular disease, resulting in mortality, elevated healthcare costs, diminished productivity, and reduced quality of life for individuals and their communities. This is exacerbated by the limited understanding of its underlying causes and limitations in current therapeutic interventions, highlighting the need for sophisticated models of atherosclerosis. This review critically evaluates the computational and biological models of atherosclerosis, focusing on the study of hemodynamics in atherosclerotic coronary arteries. Computational models account for the geometrical complexities and hemodynamics of the blood vessels and stenoses, but they fail to capture the complex biological processes involved in atherosclerosis. Different in vitro and in vivo biological models can capture aspects of the biological complexity of healthy and stenosed vessels, but rarely mimic the human anatomy and physiological hemodynamics, and require significantly more time, cost, and resources. Therefore, emerging strategies are examined that integrate computational and biological models, and the potential of advances in imaging, biofabrication, and machine learning is explored in developing more effective models of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Bartolf‐Kopp
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and DentistryInstitute of Functional Materials and Biofabrication (IFB)KeyLab Polymers for Medicine of the Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI)University of WürzburgPleicherwall 297070WürzburgGermany
| | - Kristina Andelovic
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and DentistryInstitute of Functional Materials and Biofabrication (IFB)KeyLab Polymers for Medicine of the Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI)University of WürzburgPleicherwall 297070WürzburgGermany
| | - Tomasz Jungst
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and DentistryInstitute of Functional Materials and Biofabrication (IFB)KeyLab Polymers for Medicine of the Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI)University of WürzburgPleicherwall 297070WürzburgGermany
- Department of Orthopedics, Regenerative Medicine Center UtrechtUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht3584Netherlands
| | - Nona Farbehi
- Graduate School of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of New South WalesSydney2052Australia
- Tyree Institute of Health EngineeringUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSW2052Australia
- Garvan Weizmann Center for Cellular GenomicsGarvan Institute of Medical ResearchSydneyNSW2010Australia
| | - Steven G. Wise
- School of Medical SciencesUniversity of SydneySydneyNSW2006Australia
| | - Christopher Hayward
- St Vincent's HospitalSydneyVictor Chang Cardiac Research InstituteSydney2010Australia
| | | | - Jelena Rnjak‐Kovacina
- Graduate School of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of New South WalesSydney2052Australia
- Tyree Institute of Health EngineeringUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSW2052Australia
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine (ACN)University of New South WalesSydneyNSW2052Australia
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8
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Hernandez-Sanchez D, Comtois-Bona M, Muñoz M, Ruel M, Suuronen EJ, Alarcon EI. Manufacturing and validation of small-diameter vascular grafts: A mini review. iScience 2024; 27:109845. [PMID: 38799581 PMCID: PMC11126982 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The field of small-diameter vascular grafts remains a challenge for biomaterials scientists. While decades of research have brought us much closer to developing biomimetic materials for regenerating tissues and organs, the physiological challenges involved in manufacturing small conduits that can transport blood while not inducing an immune response or promoting blood clots continue to limit progress in this area. In this short review, we present some of the most recent methods and advancements made by researchers working in the field of small-diameter vascular grafts. We also discuss some of the most critical aspects biomaterials scientists should consider when developing lab-made small-diameter vascular grafts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deyanira Hernandez-Sanchez
- BioEngineering and Therapeutic Solutions (BEaTS) Research, Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin Street, Ottawa, ON K1Y4W7, Canada
| | - Maxime Comtois-Bona
- BioEngineering and Therapeutic Solutions (BEaTS) Research, Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin Street, Ottawa, ON K1Y4W7, Canada
| | - Marcelo Muñoz
- BioEngineering and Therapeutic Solutions (BEaTS) Research, Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin Street, Ottawa, ON K1Y4W7, Canada
| | - Marc Ruel
- BioEngineering and Therapeutic Solutions (BEaTS) Research, Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin Street, Ottawa, ON K1Y4W7, Canada
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin Street, Ottawa, ON K1Y4W7, Canada
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa ON K1H8M5, Canada
| | - Erik J. Suuronen
- BioEngineering and Therapeutic Solutions (BEaTS) Research, Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin Street, Ottawa, ON K1Y4W7, Canada
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa ON K1H8M5, Canada
| | - Emilio I. Alarcon
- BioEngineering and Therapeutic Solutions (BEaTS) Research, Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin Street, Ottawa, ON K1Y4W7, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H8M5, Canada
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9
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Rodríguez-Soto MA, Riveros-Cortés A, Orjuela-Garzón IC, Fernández-Calderón IM, Rodríguez CF, Vargas NS, Ostos C, Camargo CM, Cruz JC, Kim S, D’Amore A, Wagner WR, Briceño JC. Redefining vascular repair: revealing cellular responses on PEUU-gelatin electrospun vascular grafts for endothelialization and immune responses on in vitro models. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1410863. [PMID: 38903186 PMCID: PMC11188488 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1410863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) poised for regenerative applications are central to effective vascular repair, with their efficacy being significantly influenced by scaffold architecture and the strategic distribution of bioactive molecules either embedded within the scaffold or elicited from responsive tissues. Despite substantial advancements over recent decades, a thorough understanding of the critical cellular dynamics for clinical success remains to be fully elucidated. Graft failure, often ascribed to thrombogenesis, intimal hyperplasia, or calcification, is predominantly linked to improperly modulated inflammatory reactions. The orchestrated behavior of repopulating cells is crucial for both initial endothelialization and the subsequent differentiation of vascular wall stem cells into functional phenotypes. This necessitates the TEVG to provide an optimal milieu wherein immune cells can promote early angiogenesis and cell recruitment, all while averting persistent inflammation. In this study, we present an innovative TEVG designed to enhance cellular responses by integrating a physicochemical gradient through a multilayered structure utilizing synthetic (poly (ester urethane urea), PEUU) and natural polymers (Gelatin B), thereby modulating inflammatory reactions. The luminal surface is functionalized with a four-arm polyethylene glycol (P4A) to mitigate thrombogenesis, while the incorporation of adhesive peptides (RGD/SV) fosters the adhesion and maturation of functional endothelial cells. The resultant multilayered TEVG, with a diameter of 3.0 cm and a length of 11 cm, exhibits differential porosity along its layers and mechanical properties commensurate with those of native porcine carotid arteries. Analyses indicate high biocompatibility and low thrombogenicity while enabling luminal endothelialization and functional phenotypic behavior, thus limiting inflammation in in-vitro models. The vascular wall demonstrated low immunogenicity with an initial acute inflammatory phase, transitioning towards a pro-regenerative M2 macrophage-predominant phase. These findings underscore the potential of the designed TEVG in inducing favorable immunomodulatory and pro-regenerative environments, thus holding promise for future clinical applications in vascular tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Carlos Ostos
- Instituto de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | - Juan C. Cruz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Seungil Kim
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Antonio D’Amore
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - William R. Wagner
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Juan C. Briceño
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Cardiovascular Surgery, Fundación CardioInfantil Instituto de Cardiología, Bogotá, Colombia
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10
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Zuo X, Han P, Yuan D, Xiao Y, Huang Y, Li R, Jiang X, Feng L, Li Y, Zhang Y, Zhu P, Wang H, Wang N, Kang YJ. Implantation of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (ADSCs)-Lining Prosthetic Graft Promotes Vascular Regeneration in Monkeys and Pigs. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2024; 21:641-651. [PMID: 38190095 PMCID: PMC11087433 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-023-00615-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current replacement procedures for stenosis or occluded arteries using prosthetic grafts have serious limitations in clinical applications, particularly, endothelialization of the luminal surface is a long-standing unresolved problem. METHOD We produced a cell-based hybrid vascular graft using a bioink engulfing adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ADSCs) and a 3D bioprinting process lining the ADSCs on the luminal surface of GORE-Tex grafts. The hybrid graft was implanted as an interposition conduit to replace a 3-cm-long segment of the infrarenal abdominal aorta in Rhesus monkeys. RESULTS Complete endothelium layer and smooth muscle layer were fully developed within 21 days post-implantation, along with normalized collagen deposition and crosslinking in the regenerated vasculature in all monkeys. The regenerated blood vessels showed normal functionality for the longest observation of more than 1650 days. The same procedure was also conducted in miniature pigs for the interposition replacement of a 10-cm-long right iliac artery and showed the same long-term effective and safe outcome. CONCLUSION This cell-based vascular graft is ready to undergo clinical trials for human patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zuo
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, 610093, China
- Sichuan 3D Bioprinting Institute, Chengdu, China
| | - Pengfei Han
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, 610093, China
| | - Ding Yuan
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, 610093, China
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Xiao
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, 610093, China
| | - Yushi Huang
- Sichuan 3D Bioprinting Institute, Chengdu, China
| | - Rui Li
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, 610093, China
| | - Xia Jiang
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, 610093, China
| | - Li Feng
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, 610093, China
| | - Yijun Li
- Sichuan 3D Bioprinting Institute, Chengdu, China
| | - Yaya Zhang
- Sichuan 3D Bioprinting Institute, Chengdu, China
| | - Ping Zhu
- Sichuan 3D Bioprinting Institute, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongge Wang
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, 610093, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Sichuan 3D Bioprinting Institute, Chengdu, China
| | - Y James Kang
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, 610093, China.
- Sichuan 3D Bioprinting Institute, Chengdu, China.
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11
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Wang J, Yang X, Xu M, Liu H, Liu L, Tan Z. Distinct cellular microenvironment with cytotypic effects regulates orderly regeneration of vascular tissues. Mater Today Bio 2024; 26:101033. [PMID: 38533377 PMCID: PMC10963652 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Regeneration of the architecturally complex blood vascular system requires precise temporal and spatial control of cell behaviours. Additional components must be integrated into the structure to achieve clinical success for in situ tissue engineering. Consequently, this study proposed a universal method for including any substrate type in vascular cell extracellular matrices (VCEM) via regulating selective adhesion to promote vascular tissue regeneration. The results uncovered that the VCEM worked as cell adhesion substrates, exhibited cell type specificity, and functioned as an address signal for recognition by vascular cells, which resulted in matching with the determined cells. The qPCR and immunofluorescence results revealed that a cell type-specific VCEM could be designed to promote or inhibit cell adhesion, consistenting with the expression patterns of eyes absent 3 (Eya3). In addition, a 3D vascular graft combined with VCEM which could recapitulate the vascular cell-like microenvironment was fabricated. The vascular graft revealed a prospective role for cellular microenvironment in the establishment of vascular cell distribution and tissue architecture, and potentiated the orderly regeneration and functional recovery of vascular tissues in vivo. The findings demonstrate that differential adhesion between cell types due to the cellular microenvironment is sufficient to drive the complex assembly of engineered blood vessel functional units, and underlies hierarchical organization during vascular regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
- Institute of Shenzhen, Hunan University Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Xun Yang
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital, Shenzhen University), Shenzhen, 518028, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Miaomiao Xu
- College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
- Greater Bay Area Institute for Innovation, Hunan University, Guangzhou, 511300, China
| | - Hui Liu
- College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
- Greater Bay Area Institute for Innovation, Hunan University, Guangzhou, 511300, China
| | - Lijun Liu
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital, Shenzhen University), Shenzhen, 518028, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Zhikai Tan
- College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
- Institute of Shenzhen, Hunan University Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Greater Bay Area Institute for Innovation, Hunan University, Guangzhou, 511300, China
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12
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Ding H, Hou X, Gao Z, Guo Y, Liao B, Wan J. Challenges and Strategies for Endothelializing Decellularized Small-Diameter Tissue-Engineered Vessel Grafts. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2304432. [PMID: 38462702 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202304432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Vascular diseases are the leading cause of ischemic necrosis in tissues and organs, necessitating using vascular grafts to restore blood supply. Currently, small vessels for coronary artery bypass grafts are unavailable in clinical settings. Decellularized small-diameter tissue-engineered vessel grafts (SD-TEVGs) hold significant potential. However, they face challenges, as simple implantation of decellularized SD-TEVGs in animals leads to thrombosis and calcification due to incomplete endothelialization. Consequently, research and development focus has shifted toward enhancing the endothelialization process of decellularized SD-TEVGs. This paper reviews preclinical studies involving decellularized SD-TEVGs, highlighting different strategies and their advantages and disadvantages for achieving rapid endothelialization of these vascular grafts. Methods are analyzed to improve the process while addressing potential shortcomings. This paper aims to contribute to the future commercial viability of decellularized SD-TEVGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Ding
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Metabolic Vascular Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of cardiovascular remodeling and dysfunction, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, P. R. China
| | - Xiaojie Hou
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery and Cardiovascular Surgery Research Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Zhen Gao
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yingqiang Guo
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery and Cardiovascular Surgery Research Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Bin Liao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Metabolic Vascular Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of cardiovascular remodeling and dysfunction, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education & Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, (Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases), Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Juyi Wan
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Metabolic Vascular Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of cardiovascular remodeling and dysfunction, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education & Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, (Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases), Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
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13
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Szafron JM, Heng EE, Boyd J, Humphrey JD, Marsden AL. Hemodynamics and Wall Mechanics of Vascular Graft Failure. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:1065-1085. [PMID: 38572650 PMCID: PMC11043008 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.318239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Blood vessels are subjected to complex biomechanical loads, primarily from pressure-driven blood flow. Abnormal loading associated with vascular grafts, arising from altered hemodynamics or wall mechanics, can cause acute and progressive vascular failure and end-organ dysfunction. Perturbations to mechanobiological stimuli experienced by vascular cells contribute to remodeling of the vascular wall via activation of mechanosensitive signaling pathways and subsequent changes in gene expression and associated turnover of cells and extracellular matrix. In this review, we outline experimental and computational tools used to quantify metrics of biomechanical loading in vascular grafts and highlight those that show potential in predicting graft failure for diverse disease contexts. We include metrics derived from both fluid and solid mechanics that drive feedback loops between mechanobiological processes and changes in the biomechanical state that govern the natural history of vascular grafts. As illustrative examples, we consider application-specific coronary artery bypass grafts, peripheral vascular grafts, and tissue-engineered vascular grafts for congenital heart surgery as each of these involves unique circulatory environments, loading magnitudes, and graft materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M Szafron
- Departments of Pediatrics (J.M.S., A.L.M.), Stanford University, CA
| | - Elbert E Heng
- Cardiothoracic Surgery (E.E.H., J.B.), Stanford University, CA
| | - Jack Boyd
- Cardiothoracic Surgery (E.E.H., J.B.), Stanford University, CA
| | - Jay D Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT (J.D.H.)
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14
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Havlickova K, Kuzelova Kostakova E, Lisnenko M, Hauzerova S, Stuchlik M, Vrchovecka S, Vistejnova L, Molacek J, Lukas D, Prochazkova R, Horakova J, Jakubkova S, Heczkova B, Jencova V. The Impacts of the Sterilization Method and the Electrospinning Conditions of Nanofibrous Biodegradable Layers on Their Degradation and Hemocompatibility Behavior. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1029. [PMID: 38674949 PMCID: PMC11053452 DOI: 10.3390/polym16081029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of electrospun polymeric biodegradable materials for medical applications is becoming increasingly widespread. One of the most important parameters regarding the functionality of nanofiber scaffolds during implantation and the subsequent regeneration of damaged tissues concerns their stability and degradation behavior, both of which are influenced by a wide range of factors (the properties of the polymer and the polymer solution, the technological processing approach, the sterilization method, etc.). This study monitored the degradation of nanofibrous materials fabricated from degradable polyesters as a result of the sterilization method applied (ethylene oxide and gamma irradiation) and the solvent system used to prepare the spun polymer solution. Aliphatic polyesters PCL and PLCL were chosen for this study and selected with respect to the applicability and handling in the surgical setting of these nanofibrous materials for vascular bandaging. The results revealed that the choice of solvent system exerts a significant impact on degradation during sterilization, especially at higher gamma irradiation values. The subsequent enzyme-catalyzed degradation of the materials following sterilization indicated that the choice of the sterilization method influenced the degradation behavior of the materials. Whereas wave-like degradation was evident concerning ethylene oxide sterilization, no such behavior was observed following gamma-irradiation sterilization. With concern for some of the tested materials, the results also indicated the potential for influencing the development of degradation within the bulk versus degradation from the surface of the material. Both the sterilization method and the choice of the spinning solvent system were found to impact degradation, which was observed to be most accelerated in the case of PLCL (L-lactide-co-caprolactone copolymer) electrospun from organic acids and subsequently sterilized using gamma irradiation. Since we planned to use these materials in cardiovascular applications, it was decided that their hemocompatibility would also be tested. The results of these tests revealed that changes in the structures of the materials initiated by sterilization may exert thrombogenic and anticoagulant impacts. Moreover, the microscopic analysis suggested that the solvent system used in the preparation of the materials potentially affects the behavior of erythrocytes; however, no indication of the occurrence of hemolysis was detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristyna Havlickova
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Humanities and Education, Technical University of Liberec, Studentská 1402/2, 46117 Liberec, Czech Republic; (M.L.); (S.H.); (D.L.); (V.J.)
| | - Eva Kuzelova Kostakova
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Humanities and Education, Technical University of Liberec, Studentská 1402/2, 46117 Liberec, Czech Republic; (M.L.); (S.H.); (D.L.); (V.J.)
| | - Maxim Lisnenko
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Humanities and Education, Technical University of Liberec, Studentská 1402/2, 46117 Liberec, Czech Republic; (M.L.); (S.H.); (D.L.); (V.J.)
| | - Sarka Hauzerova
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Humanities and Education, Technical University of Liberec, Studentská 1402/2, 46117 Liberec, Czech Republic; (M.L.); (S.H.); (D.L.); (V.J.)
| | - Martin Stuchlik
- Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technology and Innovation, Technical University of Liberec, Bendlova 1409/7, 46117 Liberec, Czech Republic; (M.S.); (S.V.)
| | - Stanislava Vrchovecka
- Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technology and Innovation, Technical University of Liberec, Bendlova 1409/7, 46117 Liberec, Czech Republic; (M.S.); (S.V.)
| | - Lucie Vistejnova
- Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1655/76, 32300 Pilsen, Czech Republic; (L.V.); (J.M.)
| | - Jiri Molacek
- Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1655/76, 32300 Pilsen, Czech Republic; (L.V.); (J.M.)
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 80, 32300 Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - David Lukas
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Humanities and Education, Technical University of Liberec, Studentská 1402/2, 46117 Liberec, Czech Republic; (M.L.); (S.H.); (D.L.); (V.J.)
| | - Renata Prochazkova
- Regional Hospital Liberec, Husova 357/28, 46001 Liberec, Czech Republic; (R.P.); (S.J.); (B.H.)
- Institute of Clinical Disciplines and Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Studies, Technical University of Liberec, Studentská 1402/2, 46117 Liberec, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Horakova
- Department of Nonwovens and Nanofibrous Materials, Faculty of Textile Engineering, Technical University of Liberec, Studentská 1402/2, 46117 Liberec, Czech Republic;
| | - Sarka Jakubkova
- Regional Hospital Liberec, Husova 357/28, 46001 Liberec, Czech Republic; (R.P.); (S.J.); (B.H.)
| | - Bohdana Heczkova
- Regional Hospital Liberec, Husova 357/28, 46001 Liberec, Czech Republic; (R.P.); (S.J.); (B.H.)
| | - Vera Jencova
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Humanities and Education, Technical University of Liberec, Studentská 1402/2, 46117 Liberec, Czech Republic; (M.L.); (S.H.); (D.L.); (V.J.)
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15
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Wang Z, Zhang M, Liu L, Mithieux SM, Weiss AS. Polyglycerol sebacate-based elastomeric materials for arterial regeneration. J Biomed Mater Res A 2024; 112:574-585. [PMID: 37345954 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic vascular grafts are commonly used in patients with severe occlusive arterial disease when autologous grafts are not an option. Commercially available synthetic grafts are confronted with challenging outcomes: they have a lower patency rate than autologous grafts and are currently unable to promote arterial regeneration. Polyglycerol sebacate (PGS), a non-toxic polymer with a tunable degradation profile, has shown promising results as a small-diameter vascular graft component that can support the formation of neoarteries. In this review, we first present an overview of the synthesis and modification of PGS followed by an examination of its mechanical properties. We then report on the performance, degradation, regeneration, and remodeling of PGS-based small-diameter vascular grafts, with a focus on efforts to reduce thrombosis, prevent dilation, and promote cellular residency and extracellular matrix regeneration that resembles the native artery in spatial distribution and organization. We also highlight recent advances in the incorporation of novel in situ cell sources for arterial regeneration and their potential application in PGS-based vascular grafts. Finally, we compare vascular grafts fabricated using PGS-based materials with other elastomeric alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Wang
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Miao Zhang
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Linyang Liu
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Suzanne M Mithieux
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anthony S Weiss
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- The University of Sydney Nano Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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16
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Li B, Shu Y, Ma H, Cao K, Cheng YY, Jia Z, Ma X, Wang H, Song K. Three-dimensional printing and decellularized-extracellular-matrix based methods for advances in artificial blood vessel fabrication: A review. Tissue Cell 2024; 87:102304. [PMID: 38219450 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2024.102304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Blood vessels are the tubes through which blood flows and are divided into three types: millimeter-scale arteries, veins, and capillaries as well as micrometer-scale capillaries. Arteries and veins are the conduits that carry blood, while capillaries are where blood exchanges substances with tissues. Blood vessels are mainly composed of collagen fibers, elastic fibers, glycosaminoglycans and other macromolecular substances. There are about 19 feet of blood vessels per square inch of skin in the human body, which shows how important blood vessels are to the human body. Because cardiovascular disease and vascular trauma are common in the population, a great number of researches have been carried out in recent years by simulating the structures and functions of the person's own blood vessels to create different levels of tissue-engineered blood vessels that can replace damaged blood vessels in the human body. However, due to the lack of effective oxygen and nutrient delivery mechanisms, these tissue-engineered vessels have not been used clinically. Therefore, in order to achieve better vascularization of engineered vascular tissue, researchers have widely explored the design methods of vascular systems of various sizes. In the near future, these carefully designed and constructed tissue engineered blood vessels are expected to have practical clinical applications. Exploring how to form multi-scale vascular networks and improve their compatibility with the host vascular system will be very beneficial in achieving this goal. Among them, 3D printing has the advantages of high precision and design flexibility, and the decellularized matrix retains active ingredients such as collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan, while removing the immunogenic substance DNA. In this review, technologies and advances in 3D printing and decellularization-based artificial blood vessel manufacturing methods are systematically discussed. Recent examples of vascular systems designed are introduced in details, the main problems and challenges in the clinical application of vascular tissue restriction are discussed and pointed out, and the future development trends in the field of tissue engineered blood vessels are also prospected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian R&D Center for Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Yan Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian R&D Center for Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Hailin Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian R&D Center for Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Kun Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian R&D Center for Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Yuen Yee Cheng
- Institute for Biomedical Materials and Devices, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Zhilin Jia
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116011, China.
| | - Xiao Ma
- Department of Anesthesia, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China.
| | - Hongfei Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116023, China.
| | - Kedong Song
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian R&D Center for Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
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17
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Das A, Nikhil A, Kumar A. Antioxidant and Trilayered Electrospun Small-Diameter Vascular Grafts Maintain Patency and Promote Endothelialisation in Rat Femoral Artery. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:1697-1711. [PMID: 38320085 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Vascular grafts with a small diameter encounter inadequate patency as a result of intimal hyperplasia development. In the current study, trilayered electrospun small-diameter vascular grafts (PU-PGACL + GA) were fabricated using a poly(glycolic acid) and poly(caprolactone) blend as the middle layer and antioxidant polyurethane with gallic acid as the innermost and outermost layers. The scaffolds exhibited good biocompatibility and mechanical properties, as evidenced by their 6 MPa elastic modulus, 4 N suture retention strength, and 2500 mmHg burst pressure. Additionally, these electrospun grafts attenuated cellular oxidative stress and demonstrated minimal hemolysis (less than 1%). As a proof-of-concept, the preclinical evaluation of the grafts was carried out in the femoral artery of rodents, where the conduits demonstrated satisfactory patency. After 35 days of implantation, ultrasound imaging depicted adequate blood flow through the grafts, and the computed vessel diameter and histological staining showed no significant stenosis issue. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed matrix deposition (38% collagen I and 16% elastin) and cell infiltration (42% for endothelial cells and 55% for smooth muscle cells) in the explanted grafts. Therefore, PU-PGACL + GA showed characteristics of a clinically relevant small-diameter vascular graft, facilitating re-endothelialization while preserving the anticoagulant properties of the synthetic blood vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Das
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur 208016, U.P., India
| | - Aman Nikhil
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur 208016, U.P., India
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur 208016, U.P., India
- Centre for Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur 208016, U.P., India
- The Mehta Family Centre for Engineering in Medicine, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur 208016, U.P., India
- Centre of Excellence in Orthopaedics and Prosthetics, Gangwal School of Medical Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur 208016, U.P., India
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18
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Ding X, Zhang Z, Kluka C, Asim S, Manuel J, Lee BP, Jiang J, Heiden PA, Heldt CL, Rizwan M. Pair of Functional Polyesters That Are Photo-Cross-Linkable and Electrospinnable to Engineer Elastomeric Scaffolds with Tunable Structure and Properties. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:863-878. [PMID: 38207114 PMCID: PMC10954299 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
A pair of alkyne- and thiol-functionalized polyesters are designed to engineer elastomeric scaffolds with a wide range of tunable material properties (e.g., thermal, degradation, and mechanical properties) for different tissues, given their different host responses, mechanics, and regenerative capacities. The two prepolymers are quickly photo-cross-linkable through thiol-yne click chemistry to form robust elastomers with small permanent deformations. The elastic moduli can be easily tuned between 0.96 ± 0.18 and 7.5 ± 2.0 MPa, and in vitro degradation is mediated from hours up to days by adjusting the prepolymer weight ratios. These elastomers bear free hydroxyl and thiol groups with a water contact angle of less than 85.6 ± 3.58 degrees, indicating a hydrophilic nature. The elastomer is compatible with NIH/3T3 fibroblast cells with cell viability reaching 88 ± 8.7% relative to the TCPS control at 48 h incubation. Differing from prior soft elastomers, a mixture of the two prepolymers without a carrying polymer is electrospinnable and UV-cross-linkable to fabricate elastic fibrous scaffolds for soft tissues. The designed prepolymer pair can thus ease the fabrication of elastic fibrous conduits, leading to potential use as a resorbable synthetic graft. The elastomers could find use in other tissue engineering applications as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochu Ding
- Health Research Institute, Michigan Technological University, 202E Chemical Sciences and Engineering Building, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan Technological University, 609 Chemical Sciences and Engineering Building, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931
| | - Zhongtian Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, 309 Minerals & Materials Engineering Building, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931
| | - Christopher Kluka
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Michigan Technological University, 609 Minerals & Materials Engineering Building, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931
| | - Saad Asim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, 309 Minerals & Materials Engineering Building, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931
| | - James Manuel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, 309 Minerals & Materials Engineering Building, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931
| | - Bruce P. Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, 309 Minerals & Materials Engineering Building, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931
| | - Jingfeng Jiang
- Health Research Institute, Michigan Technological University, 202E Chemical Sciences and Engineering Building, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, 309 Minerals & Materials Engineering Building, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931
| | - Patricia A. Heiden
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan Technological University, 609 Chemical Sciences and Engineering Building, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931
| | - Caryn L. Heldt
- Health Research Institute, Michigan Technological University, 202E Chemical Sciences and Engineering Building, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, 203 Chemical Sciences and Engineering Building, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931
| | - Muhammad Rizwan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, 309 Minerals & Materials Engineering Building, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931
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19
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Liu W, Wang X. Recent Advances of Nanogenerator Technology for Cardiovascular Sensing and Monitoring. NANO ENERGY 2023; 117:108910. [PMID: 39183759 PMCID: PMC11343574 DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2023.108910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular sensing and monitoring is a widely used function in cardiovascular devices. Nowadays, achieving desired flexibility, wearability and implantability becomes a major design goal for the advancement of this family of devices. As an emerging technology, nanogenerator (NG) offers an intriguing promise for replacing the battery, an essential obstacle toward tissue-like soft electronics. This article reviews most recent advancements in NG technology for advanced cardiovascular sensing and monitoring. Based on the application targets, the discuss covers implantable NGs on hearts, implantable NGs for blood vessel grafts and patches, and wearable NGs with various sensing functions. The applications of NGs as a power source and as an electromechanical sensing element are both discussed. At the end, current challenges in this direction and future research perspectives are elaborated. This emerging and impactful application direction reviewed in this article is expected to inspire many new research and commercialization opportunities in the field of NG technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjian Liu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Xudong Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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20
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Thorsnes QS, Turner PR, Ali MA, Cabral JD. Integrating Fused Deposition Modeling and Melt Electrowriting for Engineering Branched Vasculature. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3139. [PMID: 38137359 PMCID: PMC10740633 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
We demonstrate for the first time the combination of two additive manufacturing technologies used in tandem, fused deposition modelling (FDM) and melt electrowriting (MEW), to increase the range of possible MEW structures, with a focus on creating branched, hollow scaffolds for vascularization. First, computer-aided design (CAD) was used to design branched mold halves which were then used to FDM print conductive polylactic acid (cPLA) molds. Next, MEW was performed over the top of these FDM cPLA molds using polycaprolactone (PCL), an FDA-approved biomaterial. After the removal of the newly constructed MEW scaffolds from the FDM molds, complementary MEW scaffold halves were heat-melded together by placing the flat surfaces of each half onto a temperature-controlled platform, then pressing the heated halves together, and finally allowing them to cool to create branched, hollow constructs. This hybrid technique permitted the direct fabrication of hollow MEW structures that would otherwise not be possible to achieve using MEW alone. The scaffolds then underwent in vitro physical and biological testing. Specifically, dynamic mechanical analysis showed the scaffolds had an anisotropic stiffness of 1 MPa or 5 MPa, depending on the direction of the applied stress. After a month of incubation, normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) were seen growing on the scaffolds, which demonstrated that no deleterious effects were exerted by the MEW scaffolds constructed using FDM cPLA molds. The significant potential of our hybrid additive manufacturing approach to fabricate complex MEW scaffolds could be applied to a variety of tissue engineering applications, particularly in the field of vascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quinn S. Thorsnes
- Department of Oral Rehabilitation, School of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (Q.S.T.); (M.A.A.)
| | - Paul R. Turner
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand;
| | - Mohammed Azam Ali
- Department of Oral Rehabilitation, School of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (Q.S.T.); (M.A.A.)
| | - Jaydee D. Cabral
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand;
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21
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Pien N, Di Francesco D, Copes F, Bartolf-Kopp M, Chausse V, Meeremans M, Pegueroles M, Jüngst T, De Schauwer C, Boccafoschi F, Dubruel P, Van Vlierberghe S, Mantovani D. Polymeric reinforcements for cellularized collagen-based vascular wall models: influence of the scaffold architecture on the mechanical and biological properties. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1285565. [PMID: 38053846 PMCID: PMC10694796 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1285565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A previously developed cellularized collagen-based vascular wall model showed promising results in mimicking the biological properties of a native vessel but lacked appropriate mechanical properties. In this work, we aim to improve this collagen-based model by reinforcing it using a tubular polymeric (reinforcement) scaffold. The polymeric reinforcements were fabricated exploiting commercial poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL), a polymer already used to fabricate other FDA-approved and commercially available devices serving medical applications, through 1) solution electrospinning (SES), 2) 3D printing (3DP) and 3) melt electrowriting (MEW). The non-reinforced cellularized collagen-based model was used as a reference (COL). The effect of the scaffold's architecture on the resulting mechanical and biological properties of the reinforced collagen-based model were evaluated. SEM imaging showed the differences in scaffolds' architecture (fiber alignment, fiber diameter and pore size) at both the micro- and the macrolevel. The polymeric scaffold led to significantly improved mechanical properties for the reinforced collagen-based model (initial elastic moduli of 382.05 ± 132.01 kPa, 100.59 ± 31.15 kPa and 245.78 ± 33.54 kPa, respectively for SES, 3DP and MEW at day 7 of maturation) compared to the non-reinforced collagen-based model (16.63 ± 5.69 kPa). Moreover, on day 7, the developed collagen gels showed stresses (for strains between 20% and 55%) in the range of [5-15] kPa for COL, [80-350] kPa for SES, [20-70] kPa for 3DP and [100-190] kPa for MEW. In addition to the effect on the resulting mechanical properties, the polymeric tubes' architecture influenced cell behavior, in terms of proliferation and attachment, along with collagen gel compaction and extracellular matrix protein expression. The MEW reinforcement resulted in a collagen gel compaction similar to the COL reference, whereas 3DP and SES led to thinner and longer collagen gels. Overall, it can be concluded that 1) the selected processing technique influences the scaffolds' architecture, which in turn influences the resulting mechanical and biological properties, and 2) the incorporation of a polymeric reinforcement leads to mechanical properties closely matching those of native arteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nele Pien
- Laboratory for Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Canada Research Chair Tier I for the Innovation in Surgery, Department of Min-Met-Materials Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, CHU de Quebec Research Center, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Dalila Di Francesco
- Laboratory for Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Canada Research Chair Tier I for the Innovation in Surgery, Department of Min-Met-Materials Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, CHU de Quebec Research Center, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Laboratory of Human Anatomy, Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale “A. Avogadro”, Novara, Italy
| | - Francesco Copes
- Laboratory for Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Canada Research Chair Tier I for the Innovation in Surgery, Department of Min-Met-Materials Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, CHU de Quebec Research Center, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Michael Bartolf-Kopp
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Biofabrication and Functional Materials, University of Würzburg and KeyLab Polymers for Medicine of the Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI), Würzburg, Germany
| | - Victor Chausse
- Biomaterials, Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marguerite Meeremans
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Marta Pegueroles
- Biomaterials, Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tomasz Jüngst
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Biofabrication and Functional Materials, University of Würzburg and KeyLab Polymers for Medicine of the Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI), Würzburg, Germany
| | - Catharina De Schauwer
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Francesca Boccafoschi
- Laboratory of Human Anatomy, Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale “A. Avogadro”, Novara, Italy
| | - Peter Dubruel
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Diego Mantovani
- Laboratory for Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Canada Research Chair Tier I for the Innovation in Surgery, Department of Min-Met-Materials Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, CHU de Quebec Research Center, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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22
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Dokuchaeva AA, Mochalova AB, Timchenko TP, Kuznetsova EV, Podolskaya KS, Pashkovskaya OA, Filatova NA, Vaver AA, Zhuravleva IY. Remote Outcomes with Poly-ε-Caprolactone Aortic Grafts in Rats. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:4304. [PMID: 37959984 PMCID: PMC10649699 DOI: 10.3390/polym15214304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Poly-ε-caprolactone ((1,7)-polyoxepan-2-one; PCL) is a biodegradable polymer widely used in various fields of bioengineering, but its behavior in long-term studies appears to depend on many conditions, such as application specificity, chemical structure, in vivo test systems, and even environmental conditions in which the construction is exploited in. In this study, we offer an observation of the remote outcomes of PCL tubular grafts for abdominal aorta replacement in an in vivo experiment on a rat model. Adult Wistar rats were implanted with PCL vascular matrices and observed for 180 days. The results of ultrasound diagnostics and X-ray tomography (CBCT) show that the grafts maintained patency for the entire follow-up period without thrombosis, leakage, or interruptions, but different types of tissue reactions were found at this time point. By the day of examination, all the implants revealed a confluent endothelial monolayer covering layers of hyperplastic neointima formed on the luminal surface of the grafts. Foreign body reactions were found in several explants including those without signs of stenosis. Most of the scaffolds showed a pronounced infiltration with fibroblastic cells. All the samples revealed subintimal calcium phosphate deposits. A correlation between chondroid metaplasia in profound cells of neointima and the process of mineralization was supported by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for S100 proteins and EDS mapping. Microscopy showed that the scaffolds with an intensive inflammatory response or formed fibrotic capsules retain their fibrillar structure even on day 180 after implantation, but matrices infiltrated with viable cells partially save the original fibrillary network. This research highlights the advantages of PCL vascular scaffolds, such as graft permeability, revitalization, and good surgical outcomes. The disadvantages are low biodegradation rates and exceptionally high risks of mineralization and intimal hyperplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna A. Dokuchaeva
- Institute of Experimental Biology and Medicine, E. Meshalkin National Medical Research Center of the RF Ministry of Health, 15 Rechkunovskaya St., Novosibirsk 630055, Russia; (A.B.M.); (T.P.T.); (E.V.K.); (K.S.P.); (O.A.P.); (N.A.F.); (A.A.V.); (I.Y.Z.)
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23
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Yang T, Li G, Li X, Wei B, Su H, Liu W, Guo S, Yang N, Xu T, Duan C. VEGF combined with DAPT promotes tissue regeneration and remodeling in vascular grafts. Regen Biomater 2023; 10:rbad088. [PMID: 37899954 PMCID: PMC10603585 DOI: 10.1093/rb/rbad088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous research on tissue-engineered blood vessels (TEBVs) has mainly focused on the intima or adventitia unilaterally, neglecting the equal importance of both layers. Meanwhile, the efficacy of grafts modified with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) merely has been limited. Here, we developed a small-diameter graft that can gradually release VEGF and γ secretase inhibitor IX (DAPT) to enhance tissue regeneration and remodeling in both the intima and adventitia. In vitro, experiments revealed that the combination of VEGF and DAPT had superior pro-proliferation and pro-migration effects on endothelial cells. In vivo, the sustained release of VEGF and DAPT from the grafts resulted in improved regeneration and remodeling. Specifically, in the intima, faster endothelialization and regeneration of smooth muscle cells led to higher patency rates and better remodeling. In the adventitia, a higher density of neovascularization, M2 macrophages and fibroblasts promoted cellular ingrowth and replacement of the implant with autologous neo-tissue. Furthermore, western blot analysis confirmed that the regenerated ECs were functional and the effect of DAPT was associated with increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2. Our study demonstrated that the sustained release of VEGF and DAPT from the graft can effectively promote tissue regeneration and remodeling in both the intima and adventitia. This development has the potential to significantly accelerate the clinical application of small-diameter TEBVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yang
- Neurosurgery Center, Department of Cerebrovascular Surgery, The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, The Neurosurgery Institute of Guangdong Province, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China
| | - Guangxu Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510630, China
| | - Xifeng Li
- Neurosurgery Center, Department of Cerebrovascular Surgery, The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, The Neurosurgery Institute of Guangdong Province, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China
| | - Boyang Wei
- Neurosurgery Center, Department of Cerebrovascular Surgery, The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, The Neurosurgery Institute of Guangdong Province, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China
| | - Hengxian Su
- Neurosurgery Center, Department of Cerebrovascular Surgery, The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, The Neurosurgery Institute of Guangdong Province, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China
| | - Wenchao Liu
- Neurosurgery Center, Department of Cerebrovascular Surgery, The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, The Neurosurgery Institute of Guangdong Province, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China
| | - Shenquan Guo
- Neurosurgery Center, Department of Cerebrovascular Surgery, The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, The Neurosurgery Institute of Guangdong Province, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China
| | - Nan Yang
- Neurosurgery Center, Department of Cerebrovascular Surgery, The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, The Neurosurgery Institute of Guangdong Province, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Bio-intelligent Manufacturing and Living Matter Bioprinting Center, Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518057, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chuanzhi Duan
- Neurosurgery Center, Department of Cerebrovascular Surgery, The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, The Neurosurgery Institute of Guangdong Province, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China
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24
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Changizi S, Sameti M, Bazemore GL, Chen H, Bashur CA. Epsin Mimetic UPI Peptide Delivery Strategies to Improve Endothelization of Vascular Grafts. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2300073. [PMID: 37117010 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Endothelialization of engineered vascular grafts for replacement of small-diameter coronary arteries remains a critical challenge. The ability for an acellular vascular graft to promote endothelial cell (EC) recruitment in the body would be very beneficial. This study investigated epsins as a target since they are involved in internalization of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2. Specifically, epsin-mimetic UPI peptides are delivered locally from vascular grafts to block epsin activity and promote endothelialization. The peptide delivery from fibrin coatings allowed for controlled loading and provided a significant improvement in EC attachment, migration, and growth in vitro. The peptides have even more important impacts after grafting into rat abdominal aortae. The peptides prevented graft thrombosis and failure that is observed with a fibrin coating alone. They also modulated the in vivo remodeling. The grafts are able to remodel without the formation of a thick fibrous capsule on the adventitia with the 100 µg mL-1 peptide-loaded condition, and this condition enabled the formation of a functional EC monolayer in the graft lumen after only 1 week. Overall, this study demonstrated that the local delivery of UPI peptides is a promising strategy to improve the performance of vascular grafts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Changizi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL, 32901, USA
| | - Mahyar Sameti
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL, 32901, USA
| | - Gabrielle L Bazemore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL, 32901, USA
| | - Hong Chen
- Vascular Biology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Chris A Bashur
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL, 32901, USA
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25
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Fernández-Pérez J, van Kampen KA, Mota C, Baker M, Moroni L. Flexible, Suturable, and Leak-free Scaffolds for Vascular Tissue Engineering Using Melt Spinning. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:5006-5014. [PMID: 37490420 PMCID: PMC10428091 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Coronary artery disease affects millions worldwide. Bypass surgery remains the gold standard; however, autologous tissue is not always available. Hence, the need for an off-the-shelf graft to treat these patients remains extremely high. Using melt spinning, we describe here the fabrication of tubular scaffolds composed of microfibers aligned in the circumferential orientation mimicking the organized extracellular matrix in the tunica media of arteries. By variation of the translational extruder speed, the angle between fibers ranged from 0 to ∼30°. Scaffolds with the highest angle showed the best performance in a three-point bending test. These constructs could be bent up to 160% strain without kinking or breakage. Furthermore, when liquid was passed through the scaffolds, no leakage was observed. Suturing of native arteries was successful. Mesenchymal stromal cells were seeded on the scaffolds and differentiated into vascular smooth muscle-like cells (vSMCs) by reduction of serum and addition of transforming growth factor beta 1 and ascorbic acid. The scaffolds with a higher angle between fibers showed increased expression of vSMC markers alpha smooth muscle actin, calponin, and smooth muscle protein 22-alpha, whereas a decrease in collagen 1 expression was observed, indicating a positive contractile phenotype. Endothelial cells were seeded on the repopulated scaffolds and formed a tightly packed monolayer on the luminal side. Our study shows a one-step fabrication for ECM-mimicking scaffolds with good handleability, leak-free property, and suturability; the excellent biocompatibility allowed the growth of a bilayered construct. Future work will explore the possibility of using these scaffolds as vascular conduits in in vivo settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Fernández-Pérez
- Department of Complex Tissue
Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative
Medicine, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Kenny A. van Kampen
- Department of Complex Tissue
Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative
Medicine, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Carlos Mota
- Department of Complex Tissue
Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative
Medicine, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Matthew Baker
- Department of Complex Tissue
Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative
Medicine, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lorenzo Moroni
- Department of Complex Tissue
Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative
Medicine, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
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26
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Blaudez F, Ivanovski S, Fernandez T, Vaquette C. Effect of In Vitro Culture Length on the Bone-Forming Capacity of Osteoblast-Derived Decellularized Extracellular Matrix Melt Electrowritten Scaffolds. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:3450-3462. [PMID: 37458386 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c01504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Recent advancements in decellularization have seen the development of extracellular matrix (ECM)-decorated scaffolds for bone regeneration; however, little is understood of the impact of in vitro culture prior to decellularization on the performances of these constructs. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of in vitro culture on ECM-decorated melt electrowritten polycaprolactone scaffold bioactivity. The scaffolds were seeded with osteoblasts and cultured for 1, 2, or 4 weeks to facilitate bone-specific ECM deposition and subsequently decellularized to form an acellular ECM-decorated scaffold. The utilization of mild chemicals and DNase was highly efficient in removing DNA while preserving ECM structure and composition. ECM decoration of the melt electrowritten fibers was observed within the first week of culture, with increased ECM at 2 and 4 week culture periods. Infiltration of re-seeded cells as well as overall bone regeneration in a rodent calvarial model was impeded by a longer culture period. Thus, it was demonstrated that the length of culture has a key influence on the osteogenic properties of decellularized ECM-decorated scaffolds, with long-term culture (2+ weeks) causing pore obstruction and creating a physical barrier which interfered with bone formation. These findings have important implications for the development of effective ECM-decorated scaffolds for bone regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Blaudez
- School of Dentistry and Oral Health, Griffith University, Parklands Dr., Southport QLD 4222, Australia
- The University of Queensland, School of Dentistry, 288 Herston Rd., Herston QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Saso Ivanovski
- The University of Queensland, School of Dentistry, 288 Herston Rd., Herston QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Tulio Fernandez
- The University of Queensland, School of Dentistry, 288 Herston Rd., Herston QLD 4006, Australia
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Cairns Campus, Cairns 4870, Australia
| | - Cedryck Vaquette
- The University of Queensland, School of Dentistry, 288 Herston Rd., Herston QLD 4006, Australia
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Li J, Chen X, Hu M, Wei J, Nie M, Chen J, Liu X. The application of composite scaffold materials based on decellularized vascular matrix in tissue engineering: a review. Biomed Eng Online 2023; 22:62. [PMID: 37337190 DOI: 10.1186/s12938-023-01120-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Decellularized vascular matrix is a natural polymeric biomaterial that comes from arteries or veins which are removed the cellular contents by physical, chemical and enzymatic means, leaving only the cytoskeletal structure and extracellular matrix to achieve cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation and creating a suitable microenvironment for their growth. In recent years, the decellularized vascular matrix has attracted much attention in the field of tissue repair and regenerative medicine due to its remarkable cytocompatibility, biodegradability and ability to induce tissue regeneration. Firstly, this review introduces its basic properties and preparation methods; then, it focuses on the application and research of composite scaffold materials based on decellularized vascular matrix in vascular tissue engineering in terms of current in vitro and in vivo studies, and briefly outlines its applications in other tissue engineering fields; finally, it looks into the advantages and drawbacks to be overcome in the application of decellularized vascular matrix materials. In conclusion, as a new bioactive material for building engineered tissue and repairing tissue defects, decellularized vascular matrix will be widely applied in prospect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingying Li
- Department of Periodontics & Oral Mucosal Diseases, The Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhuo, 646000, China
- Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Department of Stomatology Technology, School of Medical Technology, Sichuan College of Traditional Medicine, Mianyang, 621000, China
- Department of Orthodontics, Mianyang Stomatological Hospital, Mianyang, 621000, China
| | - Miaoling Hu
- Department of Periodontics & Oral Mucosal Diseases, The Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhuo, 646000, China
- Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Jian Wei
- Department of Periodontics & Oral Mucosal Diseases, The Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhuo, 646000, China
- Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Minhai Nie
- Department of Periodontics & Oral Mucosal Diseases, The Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhuo, 646000, China
- Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Jiana Chen
- Department of Periodontics & Oral Mucosal Diseases, The Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhuo, 646000, China
- Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Xuqian Liu
- Department of Periodontics & Oral Mucosal Diseases, The Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhuo, 646000, China.
- Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, 646000, China.
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Li MX, Wei QQ, Mo HL, Ren Y, Zhang W, Lu HJ, Joung YK. Challenges and advances in materials and fabrication technologies of small-diameter vascular grafts. Biomater Res 2023; 27:58. [PMID: 37291675 PMCID: PMC10251629 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-023-00399-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The arterial occlusive disease is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular diseases, often requiring revascularization. Lack of suitable small-diameter vascular grafts (SDVGs), infection, thrombosis, and intimal hyperplasia associated with synthetic vascular grafts lead to a low success rate of SDVGs (< 6 mm) transplantation in the clinical treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The development of fabrication technology along with vascular tissue engineering and regenerative medicine technology allows biological tissue-engineered vascular grafts to become living grafts, which can integrate, remodel, and repair the host vessels as well as respond to the surrounding mechanical and biochemical stimuli. Hence, they potentially alleviate the shortage of existing vascular grafts. This paper evaluates the current advanced fabrication technologies for SDVGs, including electrospinning, molding, 3D printing, decellularization, and so on. Various characteristics of synthetic polymers and surface modification methods are also introduced. In addition, it also provides interdisciplinary insights into the future of small-diameter prostheses and discusses vital factors and perspectives for developing such prostheses in clinical applications. We propose that the performance of SDVGs can be improved by integrating various technologies in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Xian Li
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Technical Fiber Composites for Safety and Protection, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
- School of Textile and Clothing, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
- Center for Biomaterials, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Qian-Qi Wei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, General Hospital of Tibet Military Command, Xizang, China
| | - Hui-Lin Mo
- School of Textile and Clothing, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Yu Ren
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Technical Fiber Composites for Safety and Protection, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
- School of Textile and Clothing, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Technical Fiber Composites for Safety and Protection, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China.
- School of Textile and Clothing, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China.
| | - Huan-Jun Lu
- Institute of Special Environmental Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China.
| | - Yoon Ki Joung
- Center for Biomaterials, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea.
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology (UST), 217 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
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Besseling PJ, Krebber MM, Fledderus JO, Teraa M, den Ouden K, van de Kaa M, de Bree PM, Serrero A, Bouten CVC, Dankers PYW, Cox MAJ, Verhaar MC. The effect of chronic kidney disease on tissue formation of in situ tissue-engineered vascular grafts. APL Bioeng 2023; 7:026107. [PMID: 37234843 PMCID: PMC10208679 DOI: 10.1063/5.0138808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular in situ tissue engineering encompasses a single-step approach with a wide adaptive potential and true off-the-shelf availability for vascular grafts. However, a synchronized balance between breakdown of the scaffold material and neo-tissue formation is essential. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) may influence this balance, lowering the usability of these grafts for vascular access in end-stage CKD patients on dialysis. We aimed to investigate the effects of CKD on in vivo scaffold breakdown and tissue formation in grafts made of electrospun, modular, supramolecular polycarbonate with ureido-pyrimidinone moieties (PC-UPy). We implanted PC-UPy aortic interposition grafts (n = 40) in a rat 5/6th nephrectomy model that mimics systemic conditions in human CKD patients. We studied patency, mechanical stability, extracellular matrix (ECM) components, total cellularity, vascular tissue formation, and vascular calcification in CKD and healthy rats at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-implantation. Our study shows successful in vivo application of a slow-degrading small-diameter vascular graft that supports adequate in situ vascular tissue formation. Despite systemic inflammation associated with CKD, no influence of CKD on patency (Sham: 95% vs CKD: 100%), mechanical stability, ECM formation (Sirius red+, Sham 16.5% vs CKD 25.0%-p:0.83), tissue composition, and immune cell infiltration was found. We did find a limited increase in vascular calcification at 12 weeks (Sham 0.08% vs CKD 0.80%-p:0.02) in grafts implanted in CKD animals. However, this was not associated with increased stiffness in the explants. Our findings suggest that disease-specific graft design may not be necessary for use in CKD patients on dialysis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Merle M. Krebber
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Joost O. Fledderus
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Krista den Ouden
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Melanie van de Kaa
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Petra M. de Bree
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Carlijn V. C. Bouten
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, TU/e, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Patricia Y. W. Dankers
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, TU/e, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marianne C. Verhaar
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Fooladi S, Nematollahi MH, Rabiee N, Iravani S. Bacterial Cellulose-Based Materials: A Perspective on Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering Applications. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023. [PMID: 37146213 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Today, a wide variety of bio- and nanomaterials have been deployed for cardiovascular tissue engineering (TE), including polymers, metal oxides, graphene/its derivatives, organometallic complexes/composites based on inorganic-organic components, among others. Despite several advantages of these materials with unique mechanical, biological, and electrical properties, some challenges still remain pertaining to their biocompatibility, cytocompatibility, and possible risk factors (e.g., teratogenicity or carcinogenicity), restricting their future clinical applications. Natural polysaccharide- and protein-based (nano)structures with the benefits of biocompatibility, sustainability, biodegradability, and versatility have been exploited in the field of cardiovascular TE focusing on targeted drug delivery, vascular grafts, engineered cardiac muscle, etc. The usage of these natural biomaterials and their residues offers several advantages in terms of environmental aspects such as alleviating emission of greenhouse gases as well as the production of energy as a biomass consumption output. In TE, the development of biodegradable and biocompatible scaffolds with potentially three-dimensional structures, high porosity, and suitable cellular attachment/adhesion still needs to be comprehensively studied. In this context, bacterial cellulose (BC) with high purity, porosity, crystallinity, unique mechanical properties, biocompatibility, high water retention, and excellent elasticity can be considered as promising candidate for cardiovascular TE. However, several challenges/limitations regarding the absence of antimicrobial factors and degradability along with the low yield of production and extensive cultivation times (in large-scale production) still need to be resolved using suitable hybridization/modification strategies and optimization of conditions. The biocompatibility and bioactivity of BC-based materials along with their thermal, mechanical, and chemical stability are crucial aspects in designing TE scaffolds. Herein, cardiovascular TE applications of BC-based materials are deliberated, with a focus on the most recent advancements, important challenges, and future perspectives. Other biomaterials with cardiovascular TE applications and important roles of green nanotechnology in this field of science are covered to better compare and comprehensively review the subject. The application of BC-based materials and the collective roles of such biomaterials in the assembly of sustainable and natural-based scaffolds for cardiovascular TE are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Fooladi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Afzalipour Medical School, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, 76169-13555 Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hadi Nematollahi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Afzalipour Medical School, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, 76169-13555 Kerman, Iran
- Herbal and Traditional Medicines Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, 76169-13555 Kerman, Iran
| | - Navid Rabiee
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia 6150, Australia
- School of Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Siavash Iravani
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 81746-73461 Isfahan, Iran
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Sameti M, Shojaee M, Saleh BM, Moore LK, Bashur CA. Peritoneal pre-conditioning impacts long-term vascular graft patency and remodeling. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 148:213386. [PMID: 36948108 PMCID: PMC11459558 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
There are questions about how well small-animal models for tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) translate to clinical patients. Most TEVG studies used grafting times ≤6 months where conduits from generally biocompatible materials like poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) perform well. However, longer grafting times can result in significant intimal hyperplasia and calcification. This study tests the hypothesis that differences in pro-inflammatory response from pure PCL conduits will be consequential after long-term grafting. It also tests the long-term benefits of a peritoneal pre-implantation strategy on rodent outcomes. Electrospun conduits with and without peritoneal pre-implantation, and with 0 % and 10 % (w/w) collagen/PCL, were grafted into abdominal aortae of rats for 10 months. This study found that viability of control grafts without pre-implantation was reduced unlike prior studies with shorter grafting times, confirming the relevance of this model. Importantly, pre-implanted grafts had a 100 % patency rate. Further, pre-implantation reduced intimal hyperplasia within the graft. Differences in response between pure PCL and collagen/PCL conduits were observed (e.g., fewer CD80+ and CD3+ cells for collagen/PCL), but only pre-implantation had an effect on the overall graft viability. This study demonstrates how long-term grafting in rodent models can better evaluate viability of different TEVGs, and the benefits of the peritoneal pre-implantation step.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahyar Sameti
- Department of Biomedical, Chemical Engineering, and Science, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL 32901, United States
| | - Mozhgan Shojaee
- Department of Biomedical, Chemical Engineering, and Science, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL 32901, United States
| | - Bayan M Saleh
- Department of Biomedical, Chemical Engineering, and Science, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL 32901, United States
| | - Lisa K Moore
- Department of Biomedical, Chemical Engineering, and Science, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL 32901, United States
| | - Chris A Bashur
- Department of Biomedical, Chemical Engineering, and Science, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL 32901, United States.
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Brown TK, Alharbi S, Ho KJ, Jiang B. Prosthetic vascular grafts engineered to combat calcification: Progress and future directions. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:953-969. [PMID: 36544433 PMCID: PMC10023339 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Calcification in prosthetic vascular conduits is a major challenge in cardiac and vascular surgery that compromises the long-term performance of these devices. Significant research efforts have been made to understand the etiology of calcification in the cardiovascular system and to combat calcification in various cardiovascular devices. Novel biomaterial design and tissue engineering strategies have shown promise in preventing or delaying calcification in prosthetic vascular grafts. In this review, we highlight recent advancements in the development of acellular prosthetic vascular grafts with preclinical success in attenuating calcification through advanced biomaterial design. We also discuss the mechanisms of action involved in the designs that will contribute to the further understanding of cardiovascular calcification. Lastly, recent insights into the etiology of vascular calcification will guide the design of future prosthetic vascular grafts with greater potential for translational success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor K. Brown
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Sara Alharbi
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Karen J. Ho
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Bin Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
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Guo J, Huang J, Lei S, Wan D, Liang B, Yan H, Liu Y, Feng Y, Yang S, He J, Kong D, Shi J, Wang S. Construction of Rapid Extracellular Matrix-Deposited Small-Diameter Vascular Grafts Induced by Hypoxia in a Bioreactor. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:844-855. [PMID: 36723920 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease has become one of the most globally prevalent diseases, and autologous or vascular graft transplantation has been the main treatment for the end stage of the disease. However, there are no commercialized small-diameter vascular graft (SDVG) products available. The design of SDVGs is promising in the future, and SDVG preparation using an in vitro bioreactor is a favorable method, but it faces the problem of long-term culture of >8 weeks. Herein, we used different oxygen (O2) concentrations and mechanical stimulation to induce greater secretion of extracellular matrix (ECM) from cells in vitro to rapidly prepare SDVGs. Culturing with 2% O2 significantly increased the production of the ECM components and growth factors of human dermal fibroblasts (hDFs). To accelerate the formation of ECM, hDFs were seeded on a polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold and cultured in a flow culture bioreactor with 2% O2 for only 3 weeks. After orthotopic transplantation in rat abdominal aorta, the cultured SDVGs (PCL-decellularized ECM) showed excellent endothelialization and smooth muscle regeneration. The vascular grafts cultured with hypoxia and mechanical stimulation could accelerate the reconstruction speed and obtain an improved therapeutic effect and thereby provide a new research direction for improving the production and supply of SDVGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyue Guo
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Weijin Road 94, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jiaxing Huang
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Weijin Road 94, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Shaojin Lei
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Weijin Road 94, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Dongdong Wan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Boyuan Liang
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Weijin Road 94, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Hongyu Yan
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Weijin Road 94, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yufei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Weijin Road 94, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yuming Feng
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Weijin Road 94, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Sen Yang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Ju He
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Deling Kong
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Weijin Road 94, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jie Shi
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Weijin Road 92, Tianjin 300072, China.,Wenzhou Safety (Emergency) Institute, Tianjin University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Shufang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Weijin Road 94, Tianjin 300071, China
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Watanabe T, Sassi S, Ulziibayar A, Hama R, Kitsuka T, Shinoka T. The Application of Porous Scaffolds for Cardiovascular Tissues. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:236. [PMID: 36829730 PMCID: PMC9952004 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10020236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
As the number of arteriosclerotic diseases continues to increase, much improvement is still needed with treatments for cardiovascular diseases. This is mainly due to the limitations of currently existing treatment options, including the limited number of donor organs available or the long-term durability of the artificial organs. Therefore, tissue engineering has attracted significant attention as a tissue regeneration therapy in this area. Porous scaffolds are one of the effective methods for tissue engineering. However, it could be better, and its effectiveness varies depending on the tissue application. This paper will address the challenges presented by various materials and their combinations. We will also describe some of the latest methods for tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Watanabe
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Salha Sassi
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Anudari Ulziibayar
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Rikako Hama
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Takahiro Kitsuka
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Toshiharu Shinoka
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Department of Surgery, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Heart Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
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An Assessment of Blood Vessel Remodeling of Nanofibrous Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Vascular Grafts in a Rat Animal Model. J Funct Biomater 2023; 14:jfb14020088. [PMID: 36826887 PMCID: PMC9965469 DOI: 10.3390/jfb14020088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of an ideal vascular prosthesis represents an important challenge in terms of the treatment of cardiovascular diseases with respect to which new materials are being considered that have produced promising results following testing in animal models. This study focuses on nanofibrous polycaprolactone-based grafts assessed by means of histological techniques 10 days and 6 months following suturing as a replacement for the rat aorta. A novel stereological approach for the assessment of cellular distribution within the graft thickness was developed. The cellularization of the thickness of the graft was found to be homogeneous after 10 days and to have changed after 6 months, at which time the majority of cells was discovered in the inner layer where the regeneration of the vessel wall was found to have occurred. Six months following implantation, the endothelialization of the graft lumen was complete, and no vasa vasorum were found to be present. Newly formed tissue resembling native elastic arteries with concentric layers composed of smooth muscle cells, collagen, and elastin was found in the implanted polycaprolactone-based grafts. Moreover, the inner layer of the graft was seen to have developed structural similarities to the regular aortic wall. The grafts appeared to be well tolerated, and no severe adverse reaction was recorded with the exception of one case of cartilaginous metaplasia close to the junctional suture.
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Li Y, Jin D, Fan Y, Zhang K, Yang T, Zou C, Yin A. Preparation and performance of random- and oriented-fiber membranes with core-shell structures via coaxial electrospinning. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 10:1114034. [PMID: 36698642 PMCID: PMC9868300 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1114034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The cells and tissue in the human body are orderly and directionally arranged, and constructing an ideal biomimetic extracellular matrix is still a major problem to be solved in tissue engineering. In the field of the bioresorbable vascular grafts, the long-term functional prognosis requires that cells first migrate and grow along the physiological arrangement direction of the vessel itself. Moreover, the graft is required to promote the formation of neointima and the development of the vessel walls while ensuring that the whole repair process does not form a thrombus. In this study, poly (l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL) shell layers and polyethylene oxide (PEO) core layers with different microstructures and loaded with sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS) were prepared by coaxial electrospinning. The mechanical properties proved that the fiber membranes had good mechanical support, higher than that of the human aorta, as well as great suture retention strengths. The hydrophilicity of the oriented-fiber membranes was greatly improved compared with that of the random-fiber membranes. Furthermore, we investigated the biocompatibility and hemocompatibility of different functional fiber membranes, and the results showed that the oriented-fiber membranes containing sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate had an excellent antiplatelet adhesion effect compared to other fiber membranes. Cytological analysis confirmed that the functional fiber membranes were non-cytotoxic and had significant cell proliferation capacities. The oriented-fiber membranes induced cell growth along the orientation direction. Degradation tests showed that the pH variation range had little change, the material mass was gradually reduced, and the fiber morphology was slowly destroyed. Thus, results indicated the degradation rate of the oriented-fiber graft likely is suitable for the process of new tissue regeneration, while the random-fiber graft with a low degradation rate may cause the material to reside in the tissue for too long, which would impede new tissue reconstitution. In summary, the oriented-functional-fiber membranes possessing core-shell structures with sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate/polyethylene oxide loading could be used as tissue engineering materials for applications such as vascular grafts with good prospects, and their clinical application potential will be further explored in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhuan Li
- Department of Materials Engineering, College of Materials and Textiles, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China,Key Laboratory of Yarn Materials Forming and Composite Processing Technology, College of Material and Textile Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dalai Jin
- Department of Materials Engineering, College of Materials and Textiles, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongyong Fan
- Department of Materials Engineering, College of Materials and Textiles, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China,Key Laboratory of Yarn Materials Forming and Composite Processing Technology, College of Material and Textile Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kuihua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Yarn Materials Forming and Composite Processing Technology, College of Material and Textile Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Yarn Materials Forming and Composite Processing Technology, College of Material and Textile Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chengyu Zou
- Key Laboratory of Yarn Materials Forming and Composite Processing Technology, College of Material and Textile Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Anlin Yin
- Key Laboratory of Yarn Materials Forming and Composite Processing Technology, College of Material and Textile Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China,*Correspondence: Anlin Yin,
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Xie X, Wu Q, Liu Y, Chen C, Chen Z, Xie C, Song M, Jiang Z, Qi X, Liu S, Tang Z, Wu Z. Vascular endothelial growth factor attenuates neointimal hyperplasia of decellularized small-diameter vascular grafts by modulating the local inflammatory response. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1066266. [PMID: 36605251 PMCID: PMC9808043 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1066266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Small-diameter vascular grafts (diameter <6 mm) are in high demand in clinical practice. Neointimal hyperplasia, a common complication after implantation of small-diameter vascular grafts, is one of the common causes of graft failure. Modulation of local inflammatory responses is a promising strategy to attenuates neointimal hyperplasia. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an angiogenesis stimulator that also induces macrophage polarization and modulates inflammatory responses. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of VEGF on the neointima hyperplasia and local inflammatory responses of decellularized vascular grafts. In the presence of rhVEGF-165 in RAW264.6 macrophage culture, rhVEGF-165 induces RAW264.6 macrophage polarization to M2 phenotype. Decellularized bovine internal mammary arteries were implanted into the subcutaneous and infrarenal abdominal aorta of New Zealand rabbits, with rhVEGF-165 applied locally to the adventitial of the grafts. The vascular grafts were removed en-bloc and submitted to histological and immunofluorescence analyses on days 7 and 28 following implantation. The thickness of the fibrous capsule and neointima was thinner in the VEGF group than that in the control group. In the immunofluorescence analysis, the number of M2 macrophages and the ratio of M2/M1 macrophages in vascular grafts in the VEGF group were higher than those in the control group, and the proinflammatory factor IL-1 was expressed less than in the control group, but the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 was expressed more. In conclusion, local VEGF administration attenuates neointimal hyperplasia in decellularized small-diameter vascular grafts by inducing macrophage M2 polarization and modulating the inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlong Xie
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qiying Wu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuhong Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chunyang Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zeguo Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chao Xie
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Mingzhe Song
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhenlin Jiang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoke Qi
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Sixi Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhenjie Tang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,Engineering Laboratory of Hunan Province for Cardiovascular Biomaterials, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhongshi Wu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,Engineering Laboratory of Hunan Province for Cardiovascular Biomaterials, Changsha, Hunan, China,*Correspondence: Zhongshi Wu,
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Rizzi S, Mantero S, Boschetti F, Pesce M. Luminal endothelialization of small caliber silk tubular graft for vascular constructs engineering. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:1013183. [PMID: 36465472 PMCID: PMC9708712 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1013183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The constantly increasing incidence of coronary artery disease worldwide makes necessary to set advanced therapies and tools such as tissue engineered vessel grafts (TEVGs) to surpass the autologous grafts [(i.e., mammary and internal thoracic arteries, saphenous vein (SV)] currently employed in coronary artery and vascular surgery. To this aim, in vitro cellularization of artificial tubular scaffolds still holds a good potential to overcome the unresolved problem of vessel conduits availability and the issues resulting from thrombosis, intima hyperplasia and matrix remodeling, occurring in autologous grafts especially with small caliber (<6 mm). The employment of silk-based tubular scaffolds has been proposed as a promising approach to engineer small caliber cellularized vascular constructs. The advantage of the silk material is the excellent manufacturability and the easiness of fiber deposition, mechanical properties, low immunogenicity and the extremely high in vivo biocompatibility. In the present work, we propose a method to optimize coverage of the luminal surface of silk electrospun tubular scaffold with endothelial cells. Our strategy is based on seeding endothelial cells (ECs) on the luminal surface of the scaffolds using a low-speed rolling. We show that this procedure allows the formation of a nearly complete EC monolayer suitable for flow-dependent studies and vascular maturation, as a step toward derivation of complete vascular constructs for transplantation and disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Rizzi
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Ph.D. Program in Biomedical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Mantero
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Boschetti
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Ding X, Zhang W, Xu P, Feng W, Tang X, Yang X, Wang L, Li L, Huang Y, Ji J, Chen D, Liu H, Fan Y. The Regulatory Effect of Braided Silk Fiber Skeletons with Differential Porosities on In Vivo Vascular Tissue Regeneration and Long-Term Patency. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2022; 2022:9825237. [PMID: 36474603 PMCID: PMC9703915 DOI: 10.34133/2022/9825237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The development of small-diameter vascular grafts that can meet the long-term patency required for implementation in clinical practice presents a key challenge to the research field. Although techniques such as the braiding of scaffolds can offer a tunable platform for fabricating vascular grafts, the effects of braided silk fiber skeletons on the porosity, remodeling, and patency in vivo have not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we used finite element analysis of simulated deformation and compliance to design vascular grafts comprised of braided silk fiber skeletons with three different degrees of porosity. Following the synthesis of low-, medium-, and high-porosity silk fiber skeletons, we coated them with hemocompatible sulfated silk fibroin sponges and then evaluated the mechanical and biological functions of the resultant silk tubes with different porosities. Our data showed that high-porosity grafts exhibited higher elastic moduli and compliance but lower suture retention strength, which contrasted with low-porosity grafts. Medium-porosity grafts offered a favorable balance of mechanical properties. Short-term in vivo implantation in rats indicated that porosity served as an effective means to regulate blood leakage, cell infiltration, and neointima formation. High-porosity grafts were susceptible to blood leakage, while low-porosity grafts hindered graft cellularization and tended to induce intimal hyperplasia. Medium-porosity grafts closely mimicked the biomechanical behaviors of native blood vessels and facilitated vascular smooth muscle layer regeneration and polarization of infiltrated macrophages to the M2 phenotype. Due to their superior performance and lack of occlusion, the medium-porosity vascular grafts were evaluated in long-term (24-months) in vivo implantation. The medium-porosity grafts regenerated the vascular smooth muscle cell layers and collagen extracellular matrix, which were circumferentially aligned and resembled the native artery. Furthermore, the formed neoarteries pulsed synchronously with the adjacent native artery and demonstrated contractile function. Overall, our study underscores the importance of braided silk fiber skeleton porosity on long-term vascular graft performance and will help to guide the design of next-generation vascular grafts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xili Ding
- School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Weirong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Wentao Feng
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xiaokai Tang
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xianda Yang
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Lizhen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Linhao Li
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Jing Ji
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Diansheng Chen
- eRobot Institute, School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Haifeng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yubo Fan
- School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
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Tu C, Zhang Y, Xiao Y, Xing Y, Jiao Y, Geng X, Zhang A, Ye L, Gu Y, Feng Z. Hydrogel-complexed small-diameter vascular graft loaded with tissue-specific vascular extracellular matrix components used for tissue engineering. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2022; 142:213138. [PMID: 36219919 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2022.213138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Tissue engineering is thought to the most promising strategy to develop successful small diameter vascular grafts (SDVG) to meet clinical demand. The introduction of natural substances into the SDVG made from synthetic biomaterials can improve the biocompatibility to promote the regeneration of SDVG in vivo. Due to that natural materials from different sources may have property deviation, it is vital to determine the source of natural materials to optimize SDVG fabrication for tissue engineering applications. In this study, bioactive SDVGs were prepared via coating of heparin-modified poly-(ε-caprolactone) scaffolds with a precursor solution containing vascular extracellular matrix (VECM) components and subsequent in situ gelation. The mechanical properties, degradation behaviors, and morphologies of the SDVGs were thoroughly characterized and evaluated. Cell experiments demonstrated the in vitro tissue specificity of the VECM that could promote the proliferation of endothelial cells better than skin-derived collagen. Furthermore, three types of SDVGs, SDVGs with blank hydrogel, SDVGs with skin-derived collagen, and SDVGs with vascular extracellular matrix (VECM-SDVGs), were implanted into the abdominal aorta of rats for one month. The explanted SDVGs were then comprehensively evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin, Masson, von Kossa staining, and immunohistochemical staining for CD31, α-SMA, and MHC. The results showed that the VECM-SDVGs showed the best endothelium regeneration, appropriate intima regeneration, and no calcification, indicating the in vivo specificity of the fabricated VECM-SDVGs. Thus, long-term implantation of VECM-SDVGs was performed. The results showed that a complete endothelial layer formed after 6 months of implantation, and the amount of contractile SMCs in the regenerative smooth muscle layer approached the amount of native aorta at the 12th month. Consequently, relying on vascular tissue specificity, VECM-SDVGs can modulate the regenerative behavior of the implanted SDVGs in vivo to achieve satisfactory vascular regeneration both in short- and long-term implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengzhao Tu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institution of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yuanguo Zhang
- Vascular Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Yonghao Xiao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institution of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yuehao Xing
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhao Jiao
- Vascular Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Xue Geng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institution of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Aiying Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institution of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Lin Ye
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institution of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Yongquan Gu
- Vascular Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Zengguo Feng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institution of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
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41
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Wang Y, Li G, Yang L, Luo R, Guo G. Development of Innovative Biomaterials and Devices for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2201971. [PMID: 35654586 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202201971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases have become the leading cause of death worldwide. The increasing burden of cardiovascular diseases has become a major public health problem and how to carry out efficient and reliable treatment of cardiovascular diseases has become an urgent global problem to be solved. Recently, implantable biomaterials and devices, especially minimally invasive interventional ones, such as vascular stents, artificial heart valves, bioprosthetic cardiac occluders, artificial graft cardiac patches, atrial shunts, and injectable hydrogels against heart failure, have become the most effective means in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Herein, an overview of the challenges and research frontier of innovative biomaterials and devices for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases is provided, and their future development directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunbing Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, 29 Wangjiang Road, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Gaocan Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, 29 Wangjiang Road, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Li Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, 29 Wangjiang Road, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Rifang Luo
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, 29 Wangjiang Road, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Gaoyang Guo
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, 29 Wangjiang Road, Chengdu, 610064, China
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42
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Maksoud FJ, Velázquez de la Paz MF, Hann AJ, Thanarak J, Reilly GC, Claeyssens F, Green NH, Zhang YS. Porous biomaterials for tissue engineering: a review. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:8111-8165. [PMID: 36205119 DOI: 10.1039/d1tb02628c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The field of biomaterials has grown rapidly over the past decades. Within this field, porous biomaterials have played a remarkable role in: (i) enabling the manufacture of complex three-dimensional structures; (ii) recreating mechanical properties close to those of the host tissues; (iii) facilitating interconnected structures for the transport of macromolecules and cells; and (iv) behaving as biocompatible inserts, tailored to either interact or not with the host body. This review outlines a brief history of the development of biomaterials, before discussing current materials proposed for use as porous biomaterials and exploring the state-of-the-art in their manufacture. The wide clinical applications of these materials are extensively discussed, drawing on specific examples of how the porous features of such biomaterials impact their behaviours, as well as the advantages and challenges faced, for each class of the materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fouad Junior Maksoud
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | - María Fernanda Velázquez de la Paz
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Kroto Research Building, North Campus, Broad Lane, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S3 7HQ, UK.
| | - Alice J Hann
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Kroto Research Building, North Campus, Broad Lane, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S3 7HQ, UK.
| | - Jeerawan Thanarak
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Kroto Research Building, North Campus, Broad Lane, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S3 7HQ, UK.
| | - Gwendolen C Reilly
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Kroto Research Building, North Campus, Broad Lane, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S3 7HQ, UK. .,INSIGNEO Institute for in silico Medicine, University of Sheffield, S3 7HQ, UK
| | - Frederik Claeyssens
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Kroto Research Building, North Campus, Broad Lane, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S3 7HQ, UK. .,INSIGNEO Institute for in silico Medicine, University of Sheffield, S3 7HQ, UK
| | - Nicola H Green
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Kroto Research Building, North Campus, Broad Lane, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S3 7HQ, UK. .,INSIGNEO Institute for in silico Medicine, University of Sheffield, S3 7HQ, UK
| | - Yu Shrike Zhang
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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43
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Gorodkov AY, Tsygankov YM, Shepelev AD, Krasheninnikov SV, Zhorzholiani ST, Agafonov AV, Mamagulashvili VG, Savinov DV, Tenchurin TK, Chvalun SN. Influence of γ-Radiation on Mechanical Stability to Cyclic Loads Tubular Elastic Matrix of the Aorta. J Funct Biomater 2022; 13:192. [PMID: 36278661 PMCID: PMC9624334 DOI: 10.3390/jfb13040192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
A significant drawback of the rigid synthetic vascular prostheses used in the clinic is the mechanical mismatch between the implant and the prosthetic vessel. When placing prostheses with radial elasticity, in which this deficiency is compensated, the integration of the graft occurs more favorably, so that signs of cell differentiation appear in the prosthesis capsule, which contributes to the restoration of vascular tone and the possibility of vasomotor reactions. Aortic prostheses fabricated by electrospinning from a blend of copolymers of vinylidene fluoride with hexafluoropropylene (VDF/HFP) had a biomechanical behavior comparable to the native aorta. In the present study, to ensure mechanical stability in the conditions of a living organism, the fabricated blood vessel prostheses (BVP) were cross-linked with γ-radiation. An optimal absorbed dose of 0.3 MGy was determined. The obtained samples were implanted into the infrarenal aorta of laboratory animals-Landrace pigs. Histological studies have shown that the connective capsule that forms around the prosthesis has signs of high tissue organization. This is evidenced by the cells of the fibroblast series located in layers oriented along and across the prosthesis, similar to the orientation of cells in a biological arterial vessel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Yu. Gorodkov
- A.N. Bakulev National Medical Research Center for Cardiovascular Surgery, Rublevskoye Highway 135, 121552 Moscow, Russia
| | - Yuriy M. Tsygankov
- A.N. Bakulev National Medical Research Center for Cardiovascular Surgery, Rublevskoye Highway 135, 121552 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey D. Shepelev
- National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, Akademika Kurchatova pl. 1, 123182 Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey V. Krasheninnikov
- National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, Akademika Kurchatova pl. 1, 123182 Moscow, Russia
| | - Shota T. Zhorzholiani
- A.N. Bakulev National Medical Research Center for Cardiovascular Surgery, Rublevskoye Highway 135, 121552 Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey V. Agafonov
- A.N. Bakulev National Medical Research Center for Cardiovascular Surgery, Rublevskoye Highway 135, 121552 Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Dmitriy V. Savinov
- National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, Akademika Kurchatova pl. 1, 123182 Moscow, Russia
| | - Timur Kh. Tenchurin
- National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, Akademika Kurchatova pl. 1, 123182 Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey N. Chvalun
- National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, Akademika Kurchatova pl. 1, 123182 Moscow, Russia
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Ozdemir S, Yalcin-Enis I, Yalcinkaya B, Yalcinkaya F. An Investigation of the Constructional Design Components Affecting the Mechanical Response and Cellular Activity of Electrospun Vascular Grafts. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:929. [PMID: 36295688 PMCID: PMC9607146 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12100929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is anticipated to remain the leading cause of death globally. Due to the current problems connected with using autologous arteries for bypass surgery, researchers are developing tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs). The major goal of vascular tissue engineering is to construct prostheses that closely resemble native blood vessels in terms of morphological, mechanical, and biological features so that these scaffolds can satisfy the functional requirements of the native tissue. In this setting, morphology and cellular investigation are usually prioritized, while mechanical qualities are generally addressed superficially. However, producing grafts with good mechanical properties similar to native vessels is crucial for enhancing the clinical performance of vascular grafts, exposing physiological forces, and preventing graft failure caused by intimal hyperplasia, thrombosis, aneurysm, blood leakage, and occlusion. The scaffold's design and composition play a significant role in determining its mechanical characteristics, including suturability, compliance, tensile strength, burst pressure, and blood permeability. Electrospun prostheses offer various models that can be customized to resemble the extracellular matrix. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and comparative review of recent studies on the mechanical properties of fibrous vascular grafts, emphasizing the influence of structural parameters on mechanical behavior. Additionally, this review provides an overview of permeability and cell growth in electrospun membranes for vascular grafts. This work intends to shed light on the design parameters required to maintain the mechanical stability of vascular grafts placed in the body to produce a temporary backbone and to be biodegraded when necessary, allowing an autologous vessel to take its place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan Ozdemir
- Textile Engineering Department, Textile Technologies and Design Faculty, Istanbul Technical University, Beyoglu, 34467 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ipek Yalcin-Enis
- Textile Engineering Department, Textile Technologies and Design Faculty, Istanbul Technical University, Beyoglu, 34467 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Baturalp Yalcinkaya
- Department of Material Science, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Liberec, 461 17 Liberec, Czech Republic
| | - Fatma Yalcinkaya
- Department of Environmental Technology, Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technologies and Innovations, Technical University of Liberec, 461 17 Liberec, Czech Republic
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45
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Gui Y, Qin K, Zhang Y, Bian X, Wang Z, Han D, Peng Y, Yan H, Gao Z. Quercetin improves rapid endothelialization and inflammatory microenvironment in electrospun vascular grafts. Biomed Mater 2022; 17. [DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/ac9266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
There is a great need for small diameter vascular grafts among patients with cardiovascular diseases annually. However, continuous foreign body reactions and fibrosis capsules brought by biomaterials are both prone to poor vascular tissue regeneration. To address this problem, we fabricated a polycaprolactone (PCL) vascular graft incorporated with quercetin (PCL/QCT graft) in this study. In vitro cell assay showed that quercetin reduced the expressions of pro-inflammatory genes of macrophages while increased the expressions of anti-inflammatory genes. Furthermore, in vivo implantation was performed in a rat abdominal aorta replacement model. Upon implantation, the grafts exhibited sustained quercetin release and effectively enhanced the regeneration of vascular tissue. The results revealed that quercetin improved endothelial layer formation along the lumen of the vascular grafts at 4 weeks. Furthermore, the thickness of vascular smooth muscle layers significantly increased in PCL/QCT group compared with PCL group. More importantly, the presence of quercetin stimulated the infiltration of a large amount of M2 phenotype macrophages into the grafts. Collectively, the above data reinforced our hypothesis that the incorporation of quercetin may be in favor of modulating the inflammatory microenvironment and improving vascular tissue regeneration and remodeling in vascular grafts.
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46
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Exarchos V, Zacharova E, Neuber S, Giampietro C, Motta SE, Hinkov H, Emmert MY, Nazari-Shafti TZ. The path to a hemocompatible cardiovascular implant: Advances and challenges of current endothelialization strategies. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:971028. [PMID: 36186971 PMCID: PMC9515323 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.971028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular (CV) implants are still associated with thrombogenicity due to insufficient hemocompatibility. Endothelialization of their luminal surface is a promising strategy to increase their hemocompatibility. In this review, we provide a collection of research studies and review articles aiming to summarize the recent efforts on surface modifications of CV implants, including stents, grafts, valves, and ventricular assist devises. We focus in particular on the implementation of micrometer or nanoscale surface modifications, physical characteristics of known biomaterials (such as wetness and stiffness), and surface morphological features (such as gratings, fibers, pores, and pits). We also review how biomechanical signals originating from the endothelial cell for surface interaction can be directed by topography engineering approaches toward the survival of the endothelium and its long-term adaptation. Finally, we summarize the regulatory and economic challenges that may prevent clinical implementation of endothelialized CV implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasileios Exarchos
- Cardiosurgical Research Group, Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, German Heart Center Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Translational Cardiovascular Regenerative Technologies Group, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ema Zacharova
- Cardiosurgical Research Group, Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, German Heart Center Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Translational Cardiovascular Regenerative Technologies Group, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Life Sciences, IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems, Krems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Sebastian Neuber
- Cardiosurgical Research Group, Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, German Heart Center Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Translational Cardiovascular Regenerative Technologies Group, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin, Germany
| | - Costanza Giampietro
- Experimental Continuum Mechanics, Empa Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, Institute for Mechanical Systems, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sarah E. Motta
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hristian Hinkov
- Cardiosurgical Research Group, Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, German Heart Center Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Translational Cardiovascular Regenerative Technologies Group, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maximilian Y. Emmert
- Cardiosurgical Research Group, Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, German Heart Center Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Translational Cardiovascular Regenerative Technologies Group, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Clinic for Cardiovascular Surgery, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Timo Z. Nazari-Shafti
- Cardiosurgical Research Group, Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, German Heart Center Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Translational Cardiovascular Regenerative Technologies Group, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, BIH Charité (Junior) (Digital) Clinician Scientist Program, Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Timo Z. Nazari-Shafti,
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Li J, Zhuo N, Zhang J, Sun Q, Si J, Wang K, Zhi D. The loading of C-type natriuretic peptides improved hemocompatibility and vascular regeneration of electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) grafts. Acta Biomater 2022; 151:304-316. [PMID: 36002127 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
As a result of thrombosis or intimal hyperplasia, synthetic artificial vascular grafts had a low success rate when they were used to replace small-diameter arteries (inner diameter < 6 mm). C-type natriuretic peptides (CNP) have anti-thrombotic effects, and can promote endothelial cell (EC) proliferation and inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) over-growth. In this study, poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) vascular grafts loaded with CNP (PCL-CNP) were constructed by electrospinning. The PCL-CNP grafts were able to continuously release CNP at least 25 days in vitro. The results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mechanical testing showed that the loading of CNP did not change the microstructure and mechanical properties of the PCL grafts. In vitro blood compatibility analysis displayed that PCL-CNP grafts could inhibit thrombin activity and reduce platelet adhesion and activation. In vitro cell experiments demonstrated that PCL-CNP grafts activated ERK1/2 and Akt signaling in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), as well as increased cyclin D1 expression, enhanced proliferation and migration, and increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion and nitric oxide (NO) production. The rabbit arteriovenous (AV)-shunt ex vitro indicated that CNP loading significantly improved the antithrombogenicity of PCL grafts. The assessment of vascular grafts in rat abdominal aorta implantation model displayed that PCL-CNP grafts promoted the regeneration of ECs and contractile SMCs, modulated macrophage polarization toward M2 phenotype, and enhanced extracellular matrix remodeling. These findings confirmed for the first time that loading CNP is an effective approach to improve the hemocompatibility and vascular regeneration of synthetic vascular grafts. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: : Small-diameter (< 6 mm) vascular grafts (SDVGs) have not been made clinically available due to their prevalence of thrombosis, limited endothelial regeneration and intimal hyperplasia. The incorporation of bioactive molecules into SDVGs serves as an effective solution to improve hemocompatibility and endothelialization. In this study, for the first time, we loaded C-type natriuretic peptides (CNP) into PCL grafts by electrospunning and confirmed the effectiveness of loading CNP on improving the hemocompatibility and vascular regeneration of artificial vascular grafts. Regenerative advantages included enhancement of endothelialization, modulation of macrophage polarization toward M2 phenotypes, and improved contractile smooth muscle cell regeneration. Our investigation brings attention to CNP as a valuable bioactive molecule for modifying cardiovascular biomaterial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300211, China.
| | - Na Zhuo
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300211, China
| | - Jingai Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Qiqi Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jianghua Si
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Kai Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Dengke Zhi
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
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In Vivo Evaluation of PCL Vascular Grafts Implanted in Rat Abdominal Aorta. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14163313. [PMID: 36015570 PMCID: PMC9412484 DOI: 10.3390/polym14163313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrospun tissue-engineered grafts made of biodegradable materials have become a perspective search field in terms of vascular replacement, and more research is required to describe their in vivo transformation. This study aimed to give a detailed observation of hemodynamic and structural properties of electrospun, monolayered poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) grafts in an in vivo experiment using a rat aorta replacement model at 10, 30, 60 and 90 implantation days. It was shown using ultrasound diagnostic and X-ray tomography that PCL grafts maintain patency throughout the entire follow-up period, without stenosis or thrombosis. Vascular compliance, assessed by the resistance index (RI), remains at the stable level from the 10th to the 90th day. A histological study using hematoxylin-eosin (H&E), von Kossa and Russell–Movat pentachrome staining demonstrated the dynamics of tissue response to the implant. By the 10th day, an endothelial monolayer was forming on the graft luminal surface, followed by the gradual growth and compaction of the neointima up to the 90th day. The intense inflammatory cellular reaction observed on the 10th day in the thickness of the scaffold was changed by the fibroblast and myofibroblast penetration by the 30th day. The cellularity maximum was reached on the 60th day, but by the 90th day the cellularity significantly (p = 0.02) decreased. From the 60th day, in some samples, the calcium phosphate depositions were revealed at the scaffold-neointima interface. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the scaffolds retained their fibrillar structure up to the 90th day. Thus, we have shown that the advantages of PCL scaffolds are excellent endothelialization and good surgical outcome. The disadvantages include their slow biodegradation, ineffective cellularization, and risks for mineralization and intimal hyperplasia.
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49
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Caldiroli A, Pederzani E, Pezzotta M, Azzollini N, Fiori S, Tironi M, Rizzo P, Sangalli F, Figliuzzi M, Fiore GB, Remuzzi A, Riboldi SA, Soncini M, Redaelli A. Hybrid fibroin/polyurethane small-diameter vascular grafts: from fabrication to in vivo preliminary assessment. Biomed Mater 2022; 17. [PMID: 35944550 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/ac885a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
To address the need of alternatives to autologous vessels for small-calibre vascular applications (e.g. cardiac surgery), a hybrid semi-degradable material composed of silk fibroin and polyurethane (Silkothane®) was herein used to fabricate very small-calibre grafts (innner diameter = 1.5 mm) via electrospinning. Hybrid grafts were in vitro characterized in terms of morphology and mechanical behaviour, and compared to similar grafts of pure silk fibroin. Similarly, two native vessels from a rodent model (abdominal aorta and vena cava) were harvested and characterized. Preliminary implants were performed on Lewis rats to confirm the suitability of Silkothane® grafts for small-calibre applications, specifically as aortic insertion and femoral shunt. The manufacturing process generated pliable grafts consisting of a randomized fibrous mesh and exhibiting similar geometrical features to rat aortas. Both Silkothane® and pure silk fibroin grafts showed radial compliances in the range from 1.37 ± 0.86 to 1.88 ± 1.01 % 10-2 mmHg-1, lower than that of native vessels. The Silkothane® small-calibre devices were also implanted in rats demonstrating to be adequate for vascular applications; all the treated rats survived the surgery for 3 months after implantation, and 16 rats out of 17 (94%) still showed blood flow inside the graft at sacrifice. The obtained results lay the basis for a deeper investigation of the interaction between the Silktohane® graft and the implant site, which may deal with further analysis on the potentialities in terms of degradability and tissue formation, on longer time-points.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Caldiroli
- Bioengineering Laboratories Srl, Via Vivaldi 32/A, Cantù, 22063, ITALY
| | - Elia Pederzani
- Politecnico di Milano Dipartimento di Elettronica Informazione e Bioingegneria, Via Giuseppe Ponzio 34, Milano, Lombardia, 20133, ITALY
| | - Marco Pezzotta
- Politecnico di Milano Dipartimento di Elettronica Informazione e Bioingegneria, Via Giuseppe Ponzio 34, Milano, Lombardia, 20133, ITALY
| | - Nadia Azzollini
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS , Via Stezzano 87, Bergamo, 24126, ITALY
| | - Sonia Fiori
- , Istituto di ricerche farmacologiche mario negri IRCCS, via Stezzano 87, Bergamo, Lombardia, 24126, ITALY
| | - Matteo Tironi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS , Via Stezzano 87, Bergamo, 24126, ITALY
| | - Paola Rizzo
- IRCCS Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri Centro Anna Maria Astori, via Stezzano 87, Bergamo, 24126, ITALY
| | - Fabio Sangalli
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, via Stezzano 87, Bergamo, 24126, ITALY
| | - Marina Figliuzzi
- Bioengineering, Istituto di ricerche farmacologiche mario negri IRCCS, via Stezzano 87, Bergamo, Bergamo, 24126, ITALY
| | - Gianfranco Beniamino Fiore
- Politecnico di Milano Dipartimento di Elettronica Informazione e Bioingegneria, Via Giuseppe Ponzio, 34, Milano, Lombardia, 20133, ITALY
| | - Andrea Remuzzi
- Università degli Studi di Bergamo, Via Pignolo 123, Bergamo, Lombardia, 24121, ITALY
| | | | - Monica Soncini
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza L Da Vinci ,32, Milano, 20133, ITALY
| | - Alberto Redaelli
- Politecnico di Milano Dipartimento di Elettronica Informazione e Bioingegneria, Via Giuseppe Ponzio 34, Milano, 20133, ITALY
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50
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Elliott MB, Matsushita H, Shen J, Yi J, Inoue T, Brady T, Santhanam L, Mao HQ, Hibino N, Gerecht S. Off-the-Shelf, Heparinized Small Diameter Vascular Graft Limits Acute Thrombogenicity in a Porcine Model. Acta Biomater 2022; 151:134-147. [PMID: 35933100 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.07.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Thrombogenicity poses a challenge to the clinical translation of engineered grafts. Previously, small-diameter vascular grafts (sdVG) composed of fibrin hydrogel microfiber tubes (FMT) with an external poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) sheath supported long-term patency in mice. Towards the development of an sdVG with off-the-shelf availability, the FMT's shelf stability, scale-up, and successful conjugation of an antithrombotic drug to the fibrin scaffold are reported here. FMTs maintain mechanical stability and high-water retention after storage for one year in a freezer, in a refrigerator, or at room temperature. Low molecular weight heparin-conjugated fibrin scaffolds enabled local and sustained delivery during two weeks of enzymatic degradation. Upscaled fabrication of sdVGs provides natural biodegradable grafts with size and mechanics suitable for human application. Implantation in a carotid artery interposition porcine model exhibited no rupture with thrombi prevented in all heparinized sdVGs (n=4) over 4-5 weeks. Remodeling of the sdVGs is demonstrated with endothelial cells on the luminal surface and initial formation of the medial layer by 4-5 weeks. However, neointimal hyperplasia at 4-5 weeks led to the stenosis and occlusion of most of the sdVGs, which must be resolved for future long-term in vivo assessments. The off-the-shelf, biodegradable heparinized fibrin sdVG layer limits acute thrombogenicity while mediating extensive neotissue formation as the PCL sheath maintains structural integrity. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: : To achieve clinical and commercial utility of small-diameter vascular grafts as arterial conduits, these devices must have off-the-shelf availability for emergency arterial bypass applications and be scaled to a size suitable for human applications. A serious impediment to clinical translation is thrombogenicity. Treatments have focused on long-term systemic drug therapy, which increases the patient's risk of bleeding complications, or coating grafts and stents with anti-coagulants, which minimally improves patient outcomes even when combined with dual anti-platelet therapy. We systematically modified the biomaterial properties to develop anticoagulant embedded, biodegradable grafts that maintain off-the-shelf availability, provide mechanical stability, and prevent clot formation through local drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan B Elliott
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218
| | - Hiroshi Matsushita
- Section of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Jessica Shen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218
| | - Jaeyoon Yi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218
| | - Takahiro Inoue
- Section of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Travis Brady
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218
| | - Lakshmi Santhanam
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Hai-Quan Mao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218; Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231
| | - Narutoshi Hibino
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218; Section of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Sharon Gerecht
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27705.
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