3D-Printed Hydrogels with Engineered Nanocrystalline Domains as Functional Vascular Constructs

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Vascular Engineering

Background:

• Impaired blood vessels and organs necessitate functional, 3D-printed vascular constructs.
• Current hydrogel vascular constructs lack mechanical robustness and suture tolerance for long-term stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop high-fidelity, mechanically robust, and biocompatible 3D-printed hydrogel vascular constructs.
• To assess the efficacy of these constructs in a preclinical model for treating chronic venous insufficiency.

Main Methods:

• Utilized digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing with poly(vinyl alcohol)-based inks.
• Engineered nanocrystalline domains and surface modification for mechanical strengthening.
• Implanted bionic vein grafts with valve structures in beagle deep veins for 4 weeks.

Main Results:

• Achieved high-precision hydrogel vascular constructs with enhanced mechanical robustness and suture tolerance.
• Demonstrated excellent swelling resistance, antithrombosis, and long-term patency.
• Bionic vein grafts with valve structures successfully controlled unidirectional flow and maintained patency in vivo.

Conclusions:

• The developed DLP 3D-printed hydrogel vascular constructs show significant potential for treating chronic venous insufficiency.
• The engineered grafts offer a promising solution for vascular reconstruction with improved structural and functional stability.
• This technology advances the development of functional biomimetic vascular grafts.