Speaker
Description
In this study, we explore a hybrid biofabrication approach combining embedded 3D bioprinting and electrospinning to create bifurcated vasculature. A bifurcated graft is essential during open surgical repair when the aorto-iliac part of the vasculature is diseased. However, fabricating a tissue-engineered vascular graft (TEVG) that closely mimics the native blood vessel network presents significant challenges, namely replicating the complex multi-layered structure of the native vessels, and TEVGs are prone to complications such as thrombosis and intimal hyperplasia. Our approach uses the Freeform Reversible Embedding Hydrogels (FRESH) bioprinting method. Our bifurcated gelatin-based hydrogel structure is printed inside an agarose support bath. Since achieving uniform nanofiber deposition onto bifurcated structures via conventional electrospinning is challenging, our method uses the incorporation of short nanofibers inside the hydrogel matrix prior to bioprinting. Trial runs showed that the composite hydrogel exhibited improved mechanical properties compared to the nanofiber-free hydrogel. Our future work will focus on optimizing the mechanical performance of the printed constructs. Hence, this approach has the potential to serve as a starting point for the biofabrication of complex tissue structures, like vascular branches and soft organs.
21352616386