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Small-Caliber Tissue-Engineered Vascular Grafts Based on Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Progress and
Junyi Ji1, Hongju Xu1, Chen Li1
1School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
Tissue Engineering. Part B, Reviews
|March 8, 2023
Summary
Small-caliber tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) using human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) show promise for vascular repair. Challenges in cell maturity and graft availability remain key areas for future research and development.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Stem Cell Biology
Background:
- Small-caliber tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) are crucial for vascular reconstruction.
- Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) offer a potential source for vascular seed cells.
- Current TEVG technology requires scalable manufacturing with mechanical strength and endothelialization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in small-caliber TEVG generation using hiPSCs.
- To highlight key challenges in the field of hiPSC-derived TEVGs.
- To discuss potential solutions and future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing hiPSCs to derive functional vascular seed cells.
- Engineering decellularized vascular scaffolds.
- Endothelializing graft surfaces with hiPSC-derived endothelial cells.
Main Results:
- Generated implantable small-caliber hiPSC-TEVGs.
- Achieved rupture pressure and suture retention strength comparable to native human saphenous veins.
- Demonstrated successful endothelialization with hiPSC-endothelial cells.
Conclusions:
- Small-caliber hiPSC-TEVGs represent a significant advancement in vascular tissue engineering.
- Further research is needed to address functional maturity of hiPSC-derived cells, elastogenesis, cell derivation efficiency, and graft availability.
- Future directions include optimizing cell function and manufacturing processes for clinical translation.
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