BIOENGINEERING SYNTHETIC BLOOD VESSELS: ADVANCEMENTS IN CREATING LAB-GROWN VASCULAR TISSUES FOR TRANSPLANT AND REPAIR PROCEDURES

Abstract

  This study investigates the bioengineering of synthetic blood vessels using a combination of decellularized scaffolds, 3D bioprinting, and stem cell-based approaches, aiming to develop lab-grown vascular tissues for transplant and repair procedures. Human endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts were isolated from healthy donors and seeded onto decellularized human aortic tissues and 3D bioprinted scaffolds composed of collagen, fibrin, and gelatin. After incubation under pulsatile blood flow conditions in a bioreactor, the engineered vessels demonstrated high cell viability and significant smooth muscle cell proliferation. Despite their lower tensile strength and burst pressure than natural vessels the bioengineered blood vessels possessed essential mechanical properties which allowed them to endure high-pressure blood flow.  Important vascular indicators showed increasing expression patterns through time according to gene expression analysis data where researchers observed VEGF, eNOS, and α-SMA.  The synthetic blood vessels exposed to animal testing experienced low rates of blood clotting and achieved high survival rates concurrently with improved endothelial coverage throughout the study duration.  The bioengineered vasculature displayed similar mechanical resistance to stresses that occur within the human body according to mechanical assessment procedures.  The research establishes the potential for bioengineered blood vessels to serve as effective replacement options when used instead of synthetic grafts and autologous veins during vascular surgical procedures.  The authors evaluate modern methods for developing lab-grown vascular grafts with biocompatible and functional durability for medical organ transplantation and vascular treatment in this study.  The advancement of bioengineered blood arteries for clinical practice requires better scaffold materials and enhanced bioprinting methods together with extended research in clinical settings..