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Microintegrating smooth muscle cells into a biodegradable, elastomeric fiber matrix.
John J Stankus1, Jianjun Guan, Kazuro Fujimoto
1Department of Chemical Engineering, 100 Technology Drive, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
Biomaterials
|August 13, 2005
Summary
This study introduces a novel method for creating tissue engineering scaffolds by electrospraying vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) onto biodegradable poly(ester urethane)urea (PEUU) fibers. This technique significantly enhances cell density and infiltration for better cardiovascular tissue mimetics.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Electrospinning biodegradable elastomers creates matrices mimicking the extracellular matrix.
- Achieving high cell density and infiltration in electrospun scaffolds is challenging and time-consuming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To overcome limitations in cell infiltration and density in electrospun scaffolds.
- To develop a novel method for microintegrating vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) into poly(ester urethane)urea (PEUU) scaffolds.
Main Methods:
- Concurrent electrospraying of SMCs and electrospinning of PEUU to create microintegrated constructs.
- Culturing constructs under static conditions versus transmural perfusion.
- Assessing cell viability, proliferation, infiltration, and mechanical properties.
Main Results:
- The fabrication process did not significantly decrease SMC viability.
- Perfusion culture resulted in significantly higher viable cell numbers compared to static culture (131% and 98% at days 4 and 7).
- High cell densities were observed integrated within the PEUU fibers after perfusion culture, with constructs exhibiting high strength and flexibility.
Conclusions:
- Concurrent electrospraying and electrospinning is an effective method for creating high cell density tissue engineering scaffolds.
- Transmural perfusion culture enhances cell infiltration and viability in these constructs.
- This approach offers a novel strategy for fabricating elastic tissue mimetics, blood vessels, and other cardiovascular tissues.