Figure 5 - uploaded by Robert Kellar
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Endothelialization of tissue-engineered blood vessel produced by tissue engineering by self-assembly. (a) A phase contrast micrograph shows the typical 'cobble stone' appearance of a confluent culture of human venous endothelial cells on polystyrene tissue culture flask. (b) Von Willebrand factor (red) is a marker specific to endothelial
Source publication
The fields of cardiovascular tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have experienced tremendous expansion and progress over the past 20 years. Strategies have focused on the use of cells, tissues, scaffolds, 3D-printing and numerous combinations of these three components to address both scientific questions and clinical needs.
Context in source publication
Context 1
... fact, future long-term in vivo studies would confirm that the IM is not readily degraded and remains acellular for months. 114 These constructs could then be removed from around the mandrel and its lumen that is seeded with endothelial cells ( Figure 5). Von Willebrand factor (red) is a marker specific to endothelial cells and is commonly used to identify and characterize the purity of culture in vitro using immunolabeling techniques (nuclei are blue stained by Hoechst 33258). ...
Citations
Since cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are globally one of the leading causes of death, of which myocardial infarction (MI) can cause irreversible damage and decrease survivors’ quality of life, novel therapeutics are needed. Current approaches such as organ transplantation do not fully restore cardiac function or are limited. As a valuable strategy, tissue engineering seeks to obtain constructs that resemble myocardial tissue, vessels, and heart valves using cells, biomaterials as scaffolds, biochemical and physical stimuli. The latter can be induced using a bioreactor mimicking the heart’s physiological environment. An extensive review of bioreactors providing perfusion, mechanical and electrical stimulation, as well as the combination of them is provided. An analysis of the stimulations’ mechanisms and modes that best suit cardiac construct culture is developed. Finally, we provide insights into bioreactor configuration and culture assessment properties that need to be elucidated for its clinical translation.
Graphical abstract
The importance and demand for relatively cheap and available skin-replacement products encouraged many research groups worldwide to focus on creating biomaterials for skin substitution [1]. Engineered tissues that not only close wounds, but also stimulate the regeneration of the dermis, would provide a significant benefit in human wound healing [2].
