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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
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Generation of Human Blood Vessel Organoids from Pluripotent Stem Cells
Published on: January 20, 2023
Vascularized organoid engineered by modular assembly enables blood perfusion
Alison P McGuigan1, Michael V Sefton
1Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 3G9.
Summary
This study presents a novel modular tissue engineering approach using endothelial cell-seeded rods to create vascularized tissues. The biomimetic design supports high cell density and perfusability with whole blood, overcoming key limitations in the field.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Donor-organ shortage necessitates advanced tissue engineering solutions.
- Achieving clinically relevant cell densities in thick tissues requires internal vascularization.
- Existing tissue engineering methods face challenges with vascular supply and scalability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a modular, biomimetic approach for creating perfusable vascularized tissues.
- To assess the viability and functionality of endothelial cells (ECs) within a modular construct.
- To demonstrate the potential for whole blood perfusion and scalability in engineered tissues.
Main Methods:
- Assembling submillimeter collagen gel rods seeded with endothelial cells (ECs) into modular components.
- Integrating HepG2 cells in some prototypes to showcase broader applications.
- Constructing larger tubes from these modules and perfusing with medium or whole blood.
- Utilizing microcomputed tomography and Doppler ultrasound to evaluate flow characteristics.
Main Results:
- High viable cell densities were achieved, comparable to native tissues.
- Interconnected channels formed among modules, enabling effective perfusion.
- Endothelial cells (ECs) maintained a nonthrombogenic phenotype, delaying clotting and reducing platelet loss during whole blood perfusion.
- The modular construct demonstrated scalability and uniformity.
Conclusions:
- The modular, biomimetic approach successfully creates perfusable vascularized tissues.
- This method overcomes limitations of conventional scaffold-based tissue engineering.
- The construct shows significant potential for clinical applications by enabling whole blood perfusion and scalability.
