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Perfusable vascular tree like construction in 3D cell-dense tissues using artificial vascular bed.
Yusuke Tobe1, Jun Homma2, Katsuhisa Sakaguchi3
1Department of Modern Mechanical Engineering, Waseda University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan; Institute of Advanced Biomedical Engineering and Science, TWIns, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
Microvascular Research
|January 15, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed a novel method to create perfusable vascular networks in 3D cell-dense tissues using an artificial vascular bed and perfusion culture. This technique enables the fabrication of functional vascular trees for regenerative medicine and in vitro models.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Perfusable vascular structures are critical for functional 3D tissue fabrication in vitro.
- Achieving finely spaced, observable vascular networks within dense tissues remains a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for introducing numerous, perfusable vascular networks into 3D cell-dense tissues.
- To enable the formation of vascular trees observable in vitro for tissue engineering applications.
Main Methods:
- Devised an artificial vascular bed using a hydrogel that resists cell-induced deformation.
- Utilized triple-layered cell sheets with an endothelial cell network, co-cultured with fibroblasts.
- Employed perfusion culture directly beneath cell sheets to promote vascularization.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the formation of numerous vascular networks with luminal structures within cell sheets.
- Successfully perfused these networks with India ink and blood after five days of culture.
- Histological analysis confirmed uniform and dense perfusable vascular structures at intervals of at least 100 μm.
Conclusions:
- The proposed perfusion culture method significantly enhances vascularization in 3D cell-dense tissues.
- This technology facilitates the creation of functional vasculature, observable as vascular trees, in vitro.
- The method holds potential for fabricating functional tissues and organs for regenerative therapies and advanced experimental models.
