Small-Diameter Vessels Reconstruction Using Cell Tissue-Engineering Graft Based on the Polycaprolactone

Abstract Polycaprolactone (PCL) is widely applied for the construction of small-diameter tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEGs) due to its biomechanical properties, slow degradation, and good biocompatibility. In present study TEG based on a tubular scaffold seeded with smooth muscle aortic cells (SMCs) in rat abdominal aorta replacement model was tested. Polyester scaffolds were generated by thermally induced phase separation SMCs. To track implanted SMCs vivo, labeled superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs). Histological evaluation migration autologous endothelial (ECs) formation lining performed 4, 8, 12 weeks after graft interposition. demonstrated high patency rate without any complications at end 12-week period. The ECs into lumen cell monolayer already 4 weeks, as confirmed histological analysis. architecture both neointima neoadventitia similar those native vessel. SPION-labeled detected throughout TEG, indicating role these endothelization scaffolds. SMC-seeded improved biointegrative properties when compared acellular grafts.