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

Three-dimensionally printed (3DP) hydrogel-based vascular constructs have been investigated in response to the impaired function of blood vessels or organs by replicating exactly the 3D structural geometry to approach their function. However, they are still challenged by their intrinsic brittleness, which could not sustain the suture piercing and enable the long-term structural and functional stability during the direct contact with blood. Here, we reported the high-fidelity digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing of hydrogel-based vascular constructs from poly(vinyl alcohol)-based inks, followed by mechanical strengthening through engineering the nanocrystalline domains and subsequent surface modification. The as-prepared high-precision hydrogel vascular constructs were imparted with highly desirable mechanical robustness, suture tolerance, swelling resistance, antithrombosis, and long-term patency. Notably, the hydrogel-based bionic vein grafts, with precise valve structures, exhibited excellent control over the unidirectional flow and successfully fulfilled the biological functionalities and patency during a 4-week implantation within the deep veins of beagles, thus corroborating the promising potential for treating chronic venous insufficiency.