Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 16, 2026
11:47
Construction of a Human Aorta Smooth Muscle Cell Organ-On-A-Chip Model for Recapitulating Biomechanical Strain in the Aortic Wall
Published on: July 6, 2022
3.7K
A tissue-engineered endothelial cell - smooth muscle cell arteriole-like model.
Ninghao Zhu1, Lily Liang1,2, Nan Zhao1,2
1Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, USA. searson@jhu.edu.
Biomaterials Science
|October 4, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a 3D tissue-engineered arteriole model using smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs). This novel model mimics human arteriole structure and function, aiding in studying arteriole disorders and drug development.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Vascular Biology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Arterioles are critical for regulating blood flow and pressure.
- Creating co-cultured smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) in a structured matrix is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a 3D tissue-engineered arteriole model.
- To assess the structural integrity, barrier function, and physiological responses of the engineered arteriole.
- To provide a platform for studying arteriole function and developing targeted therapies.
Main Methods:
- Co-culture of SMCs and ECs within a collagen fiber matrix.
- High-resolution microscopy for structural analysis.
- Permeability measurements to assess barrier function.
- Pulsatile flow and inflammatory cytokine perfusion for functional assessment.
Main Results:
- A 3D arteriole model (∼150 μm diameter) with confluent SMC and EC monolayers was successfully created.
- The model demonstrated structural integrity and barrier function.
- The arteriole model exhibited physiological contraction/dilation under pulsatile flow.
- Inflammatory cytokine perfusion led to increased immune cell adhesion.
Conclusions:
- The developed 3D tissue-engineered arteriole model accurately recapitulates human arteriole physiology.
- This model serves as a valuable platform for investigating arteriole disorders.
- It facilitates drug development for diseases affecting arterioles.
