Adhesion of endothelial cells using self-assembly peptides under precise deformation control of tissue-engineered...

The objective of this study was to anchor endothelial cells using self-assembly peptides under precise deformation control of tissue-engineered vessels. An acelluarized vascular matrix was used as the control group to examine the function of self-assembly peptides. In the experiment group, the self-assembly peptides were added to the inner surface of tissue-engineered vessels to form a monolayer. Then the endothelial cells were injected into the vascular lumen. A deformation control system was developed which was based on real-time image analysis and feedback control system. After dynamic culture by different deformation (set points 1, 5, and 10 per cent), the endothelial cell densities of experimental and control groups were compared. Both the self-assembly peptides and the extent of deformation affected the endothelial cell density on the inner surface of tissue-engineered vessels. The construct with self-assembly peptides under 5 per cent deformation gained the highest endothelial cell density. It was concluded that the deformation of assembled peptides contributes to the development and adhesion of endothelial cells in the inner surface of tissue-engineered vessels.