Developing Multi-layered Vascular Grafts from a Novel Collagen and Elastin Biomaterial

摘要

In this study, we have shown that elastin addition to collagen scaffolds can play a major role in the scaffolds biological and mechanical response. Collectively, this study has led to the development of a composite scaffold with optimised intrinsic physiochemical characteristics which displayed the capacity to support smooth muscle cells in vitro while subsequently displaying suitable viscoelastic properties. This multi-layered collagen-elastin scaffold represents an excellent scaffold choice for further culture in a biomimetic environment to produce a functional tissue engineered vascular graft. Consequently, ongoing research focuses on the application of dynamic biophysical stimulation within a custom-built vascular bioreactor to aid in the maturation of the engineered blood vessel.