Formation of capillary tube-like structures on micropatterned biomaterials

The survival of three-dimensional tissue requires a vascular network to provide transport of oxygen and metabolic byproduct. Here, we report a new approach to create capillary blood vessels in vitro on biomaterials suitable for use as scaffolds in engineering tissues. Endothelial cells were cultured on chemical and topographical patterns of micro-sized grooves on gelatin. Selective attachment and spreading of cells within the grooves was ensured by microcontact printing the plateau regions with cell resistant PEG/PLA (polyethyleneglycol-L-polylacticacid). Human microvascular endothelial cells plated on these patterned biomaterials attached and spread exclusively within the grooves. These topographical features promote endothelial cells to form capillary tube-like structures. The results demonstrated that capillary structures formed on biomaterials are useful for engineering vascularized tissues.