A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
A Biomimetic 3D-Self-Forming Approach for Microvascular Scaffolds
Authors: Liucheng Zhang, Yi Xiang, Hongbo Zhang, Liying Cheng, Xiyuan Mao, Ning An, Lu Zhang, Jinxiong Zhou, Lianfu Deng, Yuguang Zhang, Xiaoming Sun, Hélder A. Santos, Wenguo Cui
Publisher: WILEY
Publication year: 2020
Journal: Advanced Science
Journal name in source: ADVANCED SCIENCE
Journal acronym: ADV SCI
Article number: 1903553
Volume: 7
Issue: 9
Number of pages: 10
eISSN: 2198-3844
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.201903553
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/46689599
The development of science and technology often drew lessons from natural phenomena. Herein, inspired by drying-driven curling of apple peels, hydrogel-based micro-scaled hollow tubules (MHTs) are proposed for biomimicking microvessels, which promote microcirculation and improve the survival of random skin flaps. MHTs with various pipeline structures are fabricated using hydrogel in corresponding shapes, such as Y-branches, anastomosis rings, and triangle loops. Adjustable diameters can be achieved by altering the concentration and cross-linking time of the hydrogel. Based on this rationale, biomimetic microvessels with diameters of 50-500 mu m are cultivated in vitro by coculture of MHTs and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In vivo studies show their excellent performance to promote microcirculation and improve the survival of random skin flaps. In conclusion, the present work proposes and validifies a biomimetic 3D self-forming method for the fabrication of biomimetic vessels and microvascular scaffolds with high biocompatibility and stability based on hydrogel materials, such as gelatin and hyaluronic acid.
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