Hollow three-dimensional endothelialized microvessel networks based on femtosecond laser ablation

In this study, a novel method for the fabrication of hollow three-dimensional (3D) poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microvessel scaffolds is proposed. In this novel fabrication method, a salt ingot, which was used as a temporary frame to define the shape of the desired scaffold, was fabricated by extrusion molding. The salt ingot was immersed in a PLGA solution and the PGLA enveloped the ingot entirely. The femtosecond laser ablation technique was used for ablating the desired pattern on the PLGA layer and then the salt ingot was completely dissolved in distilled deionized water. A hollow 3D PLGA scaffold was obtained using this process on which bovine endothelial cells (BECs) were then cultured. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescent images of the cell seeding demonstrate that the BECs adhered and grew well on both the side-wall of the branches and the surroundings of each branch.