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Updated: May 5, 2026
In Vitro 3D Cell-Cultured Arterial Models for Studying Vascular Drug Targeting Under Flow
Published on: March 14, 2021
A three-dimensional engineered artery model for in vitro atherosclerosis research.
Jérôme Robert1, Benedikt Weber, Laura Frese
1Swiss Center for Regenerative Medicine, University and University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland ; Clinic for Cardiovascular Surgery and Department of Surgical Research, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland ; Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland ; Zurich Centre of Integrated Human Physiology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
This study developed a novel tissue-engineered artery model using human cells and pulsatile flow. This advanced in vitro system mimics atherosclerosis, enabling better study of disease mechanisms without systemic factors.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiovascular Research
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Atherosclerosis pathogenesis involves endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and inflammatory cells like macrophages.
- Traditional 2D cell cultures lack the 3D structure and pulsatile flow of native arteries, limiting atherosclerosis research.
- There is a need for more physiologically relevant in vitro models to study arterial diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a tissue-engineered human artery equivalent.
- To create a 3D in vitro model that incorporates pulsatile flow conditions.
- To establish a platform for studying atherosclerosis pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Constructed a tissue-engineered artery using human primary endothelial and smooth muscle cells.
- Exposed the engineered artery to in vitro perfusions, including lipoproteins and inflammatory stimuli.
- Utilized histological analyses and perfusion studies to assess model function and cellular responses.
Main Results:
- The engineered artery formed a dense tissue with a functional endothelial monolayer and smooth muscle layers.
- Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) were found within endothelial cells and the sub-endothelial intima.
- Activated endothelium (with TNFα or LDL) promoted monocyte adhesion and transmigration into the intima.
Conclusions:
- The developed tissue-engineered artery equivalent is a significant advancement for in vitro atherosclerosis research.
- This model provides a relevant platform for assessing pathogenic processes independently of systemic factors.
- The model facilitates the study of endothelial dysfunction and inflammatory cell involvement in atherosclerosis.
