Enhanced Biocompatibility of Multi-Layered, 3D Bio-Printed Artificial Vessels Composed of Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Abstract

Artificial vessels capable of long-term patency are essential clinical tools in vascular surgery that involves small vessels. On-going attempts to develop artificial vessels that complements restenosis have not been entirely successful. Here, we report on the fabrication of small-sized artificial vessels using a three-dimensional bio-printer. The fabrication employed biodegradable polycaprolactone and autologous MSCs harvested from the bone-marrow of canines. The MSCs were cultured and differentiated into endothelial-like cells. After confirming differentiation, artificial vessels comprising three-layers were constructed and implanted into the arteries of canines. The autologous MSCs printed on artificial vessels (cell-derived group) maintained a 64.3% patency (9 of 14 grafts) compared with artificial vessels without cells (control group, 54.5% patency (6 of 11 grafts)). The cell-derived vessels (61.9 cells/mm2 ± 14.3) had more endothelial cells on their inner surfaces than the control vessels (21 cells/mm2 ± 11.3). Moreover, the control vessels showed acute inflammation on the porous structures of the implanted artificial vessels, whereas the cell-derived vessels exhibited fibrinous clots with little to no inflammation. We concluded that the minimal rejection of these artificial vessels by the immune system was due to the use of autologous MSCs. We anticipate that this study will be of value in the field of tissue-engineering in clinical practice.

Progressive Reinvention or Destination Lost? Half a Century of Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering

“…While other researchers like Laura Niklason at Duke (later Yale) ( 285 , 286 ) also started their programs initially on the basis of bioreactor-based vital implants using degradable scaffolds ( 163 ), the group in Montreal went a step further. In an attempt to avoid all synthetic scaffolds and the associated problems of shrinkage and fibrosis, L'Heureux and Auger created polymer-free neo-vessels consisting of adventitial fibroblatsts, medial smooth muscle cells and an endothelium ( 287 – 291 ) Their extreme modern pendent are 3D printed pure stem-cell grafts ( 292 ). In clinical pilot trials with L'Heureux's AV-shunts graft dilatation was observed ( 288 ).…”

A Review of Vat Photopolymerization Technology: Materials, Applications, Challenges, and Future Trends of 3D Printing

“…6 Data was obtained from parts printed using a Form 2, 100 µm, High Temp settings, and postcured with Form Cure at 80 • C for 120 min. 7 Data was obtained from parts printed using a Form 2, 100 µm, High Temp settings, and postcured with Form Cure at 60 • C for 60 min plus an additional thermal cure in a lab oven at 160 • C for 90 min.…”

A Review of Recent Advances in 3D Bioprinting With an Eye on Future Regenerative Therapies in Veterinary Medicine

“…3D bioprinted vascular grafts, comprised of autologous mesenchymal stem cells printed onto conventional artificial grafts, were implanted into canine bilateral carotid and femoral arteries. Those that received the bioprinted grafts showed increased endothelialization and decreased inflammation relative to a control group that received artificial grafts alone ( 80 ). Microsteriolithography was utilized to generate an artificial limbus structure using rabbit limbal fibroblasts and endothelial cells.…”