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Spray- and laser-assisted biomaterial processing for fast and efficient autologous cell-plus-matrix tissue
Christian Klopsch1,2, Ralf Gäbel1,2, Alexander Kaminski1,2
1Reference and Translation Centre for Cardiac Stem Cell Therapy, University of Rostock, Germany.
Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
|December 5, 2012
Summary
Two novel bioprocessing techniques, spray-assisted (SaBP) and laser-assisted (LaBP), enable tissue engineering of artificial heart valves. Both methods achieved successful cell coating and differentiation, with SaBP offering faster processing.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cardiovascular Engineering
Background:
- Optimal valvular prostheses are crucial for cardiovascular health.
- Current tissue engineering (TE) approaches require advanced cell-seeding technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and assess spray-assisted bioprocessing (SaBP) and laser-assisted bioprocessing (LaBP) for autologous TE of bioresorbable artificial grafts.
- To evaluate the applicability and functionality of SaBP and LaBP in creating engineered heart valves.
Main Methods:
- SaBP involved simultaneous spray-administration of human mesenchymal stem cells (HMSCs), umbilical cord vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and fibrin onto poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds.
- LaBP utilized laser-printing of HUVECs and HMSCs in stripes, followed by fibrin sealing.
- Three-leaflet valves were manufactured and monitored in vitro under static and dynamic bioreactor conditions.
Main Results:
- Both SaBP and LaBP yielded tissue-engineered grafts with homogeneous and patterned cell distribution, respectively.
- Engineered valves showed immediate performance, complete cell coating, proliferation, engraftment, HUVEC-mediated invasion, HMSC differentiation, and extracellular matrix deposition.
- SaBP demonstrated 12-fold faster processing than LaBP, while LaBP achieved higher cell density and closer cell-scaffold proximity.
Conclusions:
- SaBP and LaBP are effective TE technologies for complete valvular cell-plus-matrix coating, engraftment, and HMSC differentiation.
- SaBP shows potential for intraoperative, table-side TE due to its speed and ease of use.
- LaBP may accelerate engraftment through precise cell patterning, though fibrin and PCL stability require further improvement.
