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Updated: Sep 24, 2025
Core/shell Printing Scaffolds For Tissue Engineering Of Tubular Structures
Published on: September 27, 2019
Development of alginate-based hydrogels for blood vessel engineering
Margarida Antunes1, Walter Bonani2, Rui L Reis1
13B's Research Group, I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
This study developed tunable vascular grafts using alginate hydrogels. Collagen type I incorporation enhanced cell growth, suggesting potential for tissue engineering vascular substitutes.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Vascular diseases cause significant mortality globally.
- Autologous grafts are limited; synthetic grafts have drawbacks.
- Tissue engineering offers alternative vascular graft solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create tubular hydrogel vascular grafts.
- To investigate alginate combined with collagen type I and/or silk fibroin.
- To optimize graft properties through crosslinking and material composition.
Main Methods:
- Ionotropic gelation using calcium ion-loaded gelatin sacrificial molds.
- Controlled wall thickness via alginate exposure time.
- Second crosslinking with barium chloride for stability and enhanced mechanics.
- Protein leaching tests and cell culture (EA.hy926, MRC-5) to assess biocompatibility.
Main Results:
- Tunable hydrogel wall thickness (0.47–1.41 mm) achieved.
- Barium chloride crosslinking improved mechanical properties and prevented degradation for 14 days.
- Collagen type I showed strong incorporation; silk fibroin did not significantly enhance properties.
- Hydrogels with collagen type I supported cell growth and phenotype better than those with silk fibroin.
Conclusions:
- A two-step crosslinking method is effective for vascular graft fabrication.
- Collagen type I enrichment improves cellular support in alginate-based grafts.
- These freestanding vascular substitutes offer tunable size, shape, and wall thickness for potential clinical use.
