Biofabrication of vessel-like structures with alginate di-aldehyde-gelatin (ADA-GEL) bioink

J Mater Sci Mater Med. 2018 Dec 29;30(1):8. doi: 10.1007/s10856-018-6205-7.

Abstract

One of the key challenges in the field of blood vessel engineering is the in vitro production of small and large diameter vessels. Considering that a combination of alginate di-aldehyde and gelatin (ADA-GEL) has been successfully applied for different biofabrication approaches, the aim of this study was to exploit ADA-GEL for the fabrication of vessel structures with diameters up to 4 mm. To explore plotting possibilities and to study the swelling behaviour, a library of vessel-like constructs with different diameters made from 2, 3 and 4% (w/v) alginate was created by using various hand-crafted double-needle extrusion systems. Vessel diameters were varied through changes of the double-needle core and outer diameters. A straightforward model for the production of vessel of different diameters from a variety of double-needle systems was established and vessel-constructs with diameters of up to 3.7 mm could be created. It was successfully demonstrated that an artificial vessel, consisting of an outer layer of 7.5% ADA50-GEL50 and an inner core of 3% gelatin, can support the proliferation and migration of an immobilized co-culture containing fibroblast (NHDF) and endothelial (HUVEC) cells. The openness and tightness of the hollow ADA-GEL structures were further confirmed by a dye injection test. Nanoindentation was performed to determine the Young's modulus of the used materials. Cell vitality was proved after 1, 2 and 3 weeks of incubation. The results showed a nearly twofold increase of viable cells per week. Fluorescent images confirmed cell migration during the whole incubation time.

MeSH terms

  • Alginates / chemistry*
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry*
  • Cell Survival
  • Fibroblasts / physiology
  • Gelatin / chemistry*
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Surface Properties
  • Tissue Engineering / methods
  • Tissue Scaffolds / chemistry*

Substances

  • Alginates
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Gelatin