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Engineering Biological-Based Vascular Grafts Using a Pulsatile Bioreactor
Published on: June 14, 2011
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A Pulsatile Bioreactor for Conditioning of Tissue-Engineered Cardiovascular Constructs under Endoscopic
Fabian König1, Trixi Hollweck2, Stefan Pfeifer3
1Chair of Medical Engineering, Technical University Munich, Boltzmannstrasse 15, Garching 85748, Germany. f.koenig@mytum.de.
Journal of Functional Biomaterials
|June 24, 2014
Summary
A novel bioreactor effectively conditions tissue engineered heart valves by simulating physiological flow without high shear stress. This approach aims to achieve stable cell layers for improved artificial heart valve function.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Heart valve disease (HVD) is a growing global health issue, with current treatments like valve replacement having significant limitations.
- Tissue engineered heart valves (TEHVs) offer a promising alternative, but achieving stable cell layers under physiological stress remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel bioreactor system for the dynamic pre-conditioning of TEHVs.
- To address the limitations of high shear stress in achieving confluent and stable cell layers on TEHVs.
Main Methods:
- A bioreactor was designed to provide low pulsatile flow, mimicking natural heart valve dynamics.
- The system allows for regulated flow rates and real-time monitoring via endoscope surveillance.
- The bioreactor features a tubeless and modular design for easy assembly in a laminar flow chamber.
Main Results:
- The bioreactor successfully created a low pulsatile flow, enabling valve opening and closing without detrimental high shear stresses.
- The system facilitated a sensitive and steady conditioning process for the engineered heart valves.
- Real-time endoscope monitoring allowed for effective assessment of valve function during conditioning.
Conclusions:
- The developed bioreactor is a valuable tool for the dynamic pre-conditioning of TEHVs.
- This system helps overcome challenges associated with shear stress, paving the way for more effective TEHV development.
- The bioreactor supports the physiological exposure of colonized heart valve prostheses to shear stress, enhancing their potential clinical application.
