Cyclic strain improves strength and function of a collagen-based tissue-engineered vascular media
Stacey C Schutte1, Zhenzhen Chen, Kelvin G M Brockbank
1Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA.
Tissue Engineering. Part A
|May 28, 2010
Summary
Cyclic strain enhances tissue-engineered blood vessels for bypass grafting. This mechanical stimulation improves vessel strength and promotes a more contractile cellular phenotype, offering a promising solution for vascular repair.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Tissue-engineered vascular grafts are needed for bypass surgery.
- Native artery function requires a physiological mechanical environment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of cyclic strain on collagen-based tissue-engineered vascular constructs.
- To determine if mechanical stimulation improves tissue strength and cellular phenotype.
Main Methods:
- Cyclic strain was applied to a collagen-based vascular tissue construct.
- Increased culture time was used to ensure tissue adherence and prevent compaction.
- Mechanical properties and cellular response to endothelin-1 were assessed.
Main Results:
- Cyclic strain increased tissue strength by enhancing collagen content and causing radial compaction.
- Mechanical stimulation promoted a more contractile cellular phenotype.
- Engineered tissues exhibited a greater contractile response to endothelin-1.
Conclusions:
- Cyclic strain improves the mechanical properties of tissue-engineered blood vessels.
- Mechanical stimulation promotes a more native-like, contractile vascular phenotype.
- Tissue-engineered vessels subjected to cyclic strain show potential for bypass grafting applications.
