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Updated: May 20, 2026
Combining 3D-Printing and Electrospinning to Manufacture Biomimetic Heart Valve Leaflets
Published on: March 23, 2022
[Fabrication of tissue engineered vein containing valve scaffolds]
Chi-zhuai LIU1, Wei-ming LÜ, Heng-hui YIN
1Division of Vascular Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
Objective:
To fabricate porous biodegradable tissue engineered vein containing valve scaffolds.
Methods:
Based on the self-made cast, the tissue engineered vein containing valve scaffolds was fabricated by injection molding plus thermally induced phase separation. Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA, LA/GA mole ratio 75:25) was used as matrices. Morphological structures and biocompatibility of scaffolds were tested. Cell seeding on scaffold was performed and the mechanic characteristics of cellular constructs evaluated.
Results:
The scaffold had an inner diameter of 9 mm with a wall thickness of 0.9 mm and the thickness of valves was (0.32 ± 0.04) mm. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) micrographs showed regular ladder-like porous structures and the average pore size and porosity of scaffolds were 10 - 20 µm and 90%. The PLGA scaffolds were biocompatible. The cellular constructs were tested in vitro, and the valve leaflets were functionally capable of opening and closing when stimulated.
Conclusion:
Based on the self-made cast, the tissue engineered vein containing valve scaffolds can be fabricated by injection molding plus thermally induced phase separation. Further researches are warranted.
