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Updated: May 17, 2025
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Microfluidic Bioprinting for Engineering Vascularized Tissues and Organoids
Published on: August 11, 2017
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Development and deployment of a functional 3D-bioprinted blood vessel
Annika C Dell1,2, Jamie Maresca3, Bruce A Davis3,4
1The John B. Pierce Laboratory, Inc, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA. annika.dell@imte.fraunhofer.de.
Scientific Reports
|April 5, 2025
Summary
Bioprinted rat aortas using fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells were successfully implanted in vivo. These 3D-bioprinted vascular grafts integrated well and functioned physiologically, offering a promising alternative for vascular disease treatment.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Biotechnology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Current surgical methods for vessel replacement have limitations.
- Bioprinting offers a promising in vitro approach for creating vascular structures.
- Developing functional vascular grafts is crucial for treating vascular diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To bioprint a rat aorta using fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells.
- To evaluate the long-term in vivo functionality and integration of 3D-bioprinted vascular conduits.
- To assess the potential of bioprinted vessels for large vessel repair.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a rotating mandrel method for tubular structure fabrication.
- Employed rat fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells for bioprinting.
- Implanted 3D-bioprinted aortas into rats for in vivo assessment.
Main Results:
- The bioprinted aortas were well-tolerated upon implantation.
- Vascular conduits showed successful incorporation into the host's native vasculature.
- Implanted vessels exhibited physiological behavior consistent with native vessels.
Conclusions:
- 3D bioprinting is a viable method for creating functional vascular grafts.
- Bioprinted vascular conduits demonstrate long-term in vivo biocompatibility and functionality.
- This approach represents a significant advancement for treating large vessel damage and vascular disease.
