Bioprinting small diameter blood vessel constructs with an endothelial and smooth muscle cell bilayer in a single step

Biofabrication. 2020 Jul 29;12(4):045012. doi: 10.1088/1758-5090/aba2b6.

Abstract

Bioengineered artificial blood vessels have been a major area of interest over the last decade. Of particular interest are small diameter vessels, as surgical options are currently limited. This study aimed to fabricate a small diameter, heterogeneous bilayer blood vessel-like construct in a single step with gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) bioink using a 3D micro-extrusion bioprinter on a solid platform. GelMA was supplemented with Hyaluronic acid (HA), glycerol and gelatin to form a GelMA bioink with good printability, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility. Two separate concentrations of GelMA bioink with unique pore sizes were selected to fabricate a heterogeneous bilayer. A higher concentration of GelMA bioink (6% w/v GelMA, 2% gelatin, 0.3% w/v HA, 10% v/v glycerol) was used to load human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and form an inner, endothelial tissue layer. A lower concentration of GelMA bioink (4% w/v GelMA, 4% gelatin, 0.3% w/v HA, 10% v/v glycerol) was used to load smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and form an outer, muscular tissue layer. Bioprinted blood vessel-like grafts were then assessed for mechanical properties with Instron mechanical testing, and suture-ability, and for biological properties including viability, proliferation, and histological analysis. The resulting 20 mm long, 4.0 mm diameter lumen heterogeneous bilayer blood vessel-like construct closely mimics a native blood vessel and maintains high cell viability and proliferation. Our results represent a novel strategy for small diameter blood vessel biofabrication.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bioprinting*
  • Blood Vessels / physiology*
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cell Survival
  • Gelatin / chemistry
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / cytology*
  • Humans
  • Ink
  • Methacrylates / chemical synthesis
  • Methacrylates / chemistry
  • Myocytes, Smooth Muscle / cytology*
  • Porosity
  • Pressure
  • Tissue Scaffolds / chemistry*

Substances

  • Methacrylates
  • Gelatin