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Perfusion and endothelialization of engineered tissues with patterned vascular networks
Ian S Kinstlinger1, Gisele A Calderon1, Madison K Royse1
1Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
Nature Protocols
|May 25, 2021
Summary
This protocol details fabricating open-source tissue perfusion chambers for engineered tissues. It enables endothelial cell seeding and perfusion, advancing biomaterials and tissue engineering.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Engineered tissues require efficient nutrient and oxygen delivery as they scale.
- Vascular networks within tissues are crucial for physiological function.
- Endothelial cell seeding mimics native blood vessel properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a protocol for fabricating and assembling customizable tissue perfusion chambers.
- To demonstrate catheterization of tissue constructs within these chambers.
- To enable endothelial cell seeding for recapitulating vascular physiology.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of open-source tissue perfusion chambers.
- Catheterization of engineered tissue constructs.
- Seeding of human endothelial cells within the tissue construct lumens.
- Connection to fluid pumping equipment for perfusion.
Main Results:
- The protocol is adaptable to various biofabrication methods, cell types, and materials.
- It allows for the recapitulation of barrier function and vascular physiology.
- Preparation and initiation of a perfusion experiment takes approximately 14 hours over 3 days.
Conclusions:
- This protocol facilitates the adoption and standardization of perfusion tissue culture.
- It supports diverse experimental designs in biomaterials and tissue engineering.
- Enables advanced engineered tissues with functional vascular networks.
