Directional pre-vascularization of a three-dimensional fibrin gel with the help of polymer fibres
Tissue Engineering means the „growing“ of tissues and targets the production of tissues (organs) for humans. Successful applications include thin avascular tissues like cartilage and skin. Regarding a certain tissue thickness (approx. 100-200 um, the diffusion limit of oxygen in tissue, Carmeliet 2000), the supply of all cells is necessary within the produced construct.
Vascularization is one opportunity to achieve the supply of the engineered tissue. There are several strategies to achieve vascularization. One approach is the direct implantation of the engineered construct leading to a spontaneous vascularization in-vivo. However, this process is very time-consuming. Regarding the pre-vascularization of engineered tissues in-vitro, a faster supply of all cells is feasible.
The aim of current science is to realize a constant, fast and directed vascularization of a whole three-dimensional matrix, followed by anastomosis of the created vessels with the host vessel system. Polymer fibres can serve as guidance lines.
- 3d quantification of “capillary-like structures”
- CD31 staining of HUVEC cells in a fibrin gel
- CD31 staining of HUVEC cells in a 2d system
