Vascular Tissue Engineering

This volume explores the latest techniques used to study the field of tissue engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs). The chapters in this book cover a wide array of topics such as deriving vascular cells from monocytes and induced pluripotent stem cells; engineering vascular grafts using various biomaterials and stem cells, stem cell-derived, or primary vascular cells; biomaterial modification by anticoagulation molecules; vascular bioengineering technologies such as 3D bioprinting; and fabrication of TEVGs with different geometry and multiphase structures. This book also features protocols for grafting and evaluation of vascular grafts in animal models, vascular imaging in animals, and the quantification of blood vessel permeability. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and practical, Vascular Tissue Engineering: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for biomedical engineers, cell biologists, vascular surgeons, doctors, and nurses.

Cardiovascular diseases are still the leading cause of death in developed countries. Revascularization procedures such as coronary artery and peripheral bypass grafts, as well as access surgery represent a 2$ billion market yearly for the US alone. Despite intense research over many decades, no clinically suitable, shelf-ready, synthetic, vascular, small-caliber graft exists. There is therefore still a quest for such a clinical vascular prosthesis for surgical revascularization procedures and access surgery. Many approaches have been tried and are currently under investigation with promising results. These range from acellular and cell-based, stable or bio-degradable, synthetic scaffolds to biological or decellularized grafts, not forgetting self-assembly technologies for in vitro or in vivo VTE. All these approaches can be further enhanced by functionalization, e.g. with growth factors and drug elution. This updatable book aims to cover all the relevant aspects of Vascular Tissue Engineering (VTE) and novel alternatives to develop vascular grafts for clinical applications. The chapters in this book cover different aspects of manufacturing scaffolds with various polymers, mechanical characteristics, degradation rates, decellularization techniques, cell sheet assembly, 3-D printing and autologous mandril-based VTE. All the necessary in vitro tests such as biocompatibility and thrombogenicity are reviewed. Pre-clinical assessment of in vivo experimental models include patency, compliance, intimal hyperplasia, inflammatory reaction, cellular ingrowth and remodeling. Finally, early clinical trials will be periodically updated regarding results, regulatory aspects and post-marketing quality assessment. Furthermore, the reader should get an insight into various approaches, technologies and methods to better understand the complexity of blood surface and cell interactions in VTE. Translational research has yielded early human applications clearly showing the enormous need of research in the field to provide better solutions for our patients and this continuously updated book will hopefully become a reference in the field for life sciences.

This book introduces the latest research in molecular, cellular, and tissue engineering of the vascular system. Topics covered include the roles of endothelial surface glycocalyx as a mechano-sensor and transducer for blood flow, a barrier to water and solute transport across the vascular wall and to the interaction between circulating cells and the vessel wall, the roles of nuclear envelope proteins and nuclear lamina in regulating vascular functions under blood flow-induced forces, and the roles of smooth muscle cells and extracellular components in arterial vasoconstriction. Other topics covered include non-surgical vascular interventions for coronary artery diseases, genesis and mechanisms of atherosclerotic plaque microcalcifications and human abdominal aortic aneurysms, experiments and modelling for red blood cell and tumor cell movement in microcirculation, transport across the blood-brain barrier and its role in Alzheimer’s disease, mathematical models for cell survival after hyperthermia, application of hypothermia in enhancing treatment for brain and spinal cord injuries, and damage of eardrums due to blast waves. This is an ideal book for biomedical engineers and researchers, medical researchers, and students in biomedical engineering and medical sciences.

This book describes the fundamental biology and mechanics of the vasculature and examines how this knowledge has underpinned the development of new clinical modalities, including endovascular treatment and vascularization of reconstructed tissue for regenerative medicine. Vascular engineering is a multidisciplinary field integrating vascular biology, hemodynamics, biomechanics, tissue engineering, and medicine. Each chapter offers insights into the dynamics of the circulatory system and explains how the impact of related disease conditions — atherosclerosis, hypertension, myocardial ischemia, and cerebral infarction — has generated a focus on developing expertise to both maintain and treat the vascular system. As a comprehensive book in this expanding area, Vascular Engineering serves as a valuable resource for clinicians as well as academics and professionals working in biophysics, biomedical engineering, and nano and microrheology. Graduate students in these subject areas will also find this volume insightful.

Vascularization in Tissue Engineering presents a comprehensive picture of blood vessel development and the recent developments on the understanding of the role of angiogenesis in regenerating biological tissues. The first-half of this book, consists of three chapters, emphasizing the fundamental knowledge about cell pathways, growth factors, co-culture strategies, cell interactions, and vascularization in pathological scenarios. The second half takes this knowledge a step further and explains the vascular microenvironment, scaffolds, and related applications in regenerative medicines. This section also provides information about biomaterial scaffolds and stem cell cultures for wound-healing and tissue regeneration. Readers will learn about cutting edge technologies in this field. This volume is a handy reference for students and researchers seeking information about the angiogenic processes and applied biotechnology in tissue engineering.

Cardiovascular diseases are still the leading cause of death in developed countries. Revascularization procedures such as coronary artery and peripheral bypass grafts, as well as access surgery represent a 2$ billion market yearly for the US alone. Despite intense research over many decades, no clinically suitable, shelf-ready, synthetic, vascular, small-caliber graft exists. There is therefore still a quest for such a clinical vascular prosthesis for surgical revascularization procedures and access surgery. Many approaches have been tried and are currently under investigation with promising results. These range from acellular and cell-based, stable or bio-degradable, synthetic scaffolds to biological or decellularized grafts, not forgetting self-assembly technologies for in vitro or in vivo VTE. All these approaches can be further enhanced by functionalization, e.g. with growth factors and drug elution. This updatable book aims to cover all the relevant aspects of Vascular Tissue Engineering (VTE) and novel alternatives to develop vascular grafts for clinical applications. The chapters in this book cover different aspects of manufacturing scaffolds with various polymers, mechanical characteristics, degradation rates, decellularization techniques, cell sheet assembly, 3-D printing and autologous mandril-based VTE. All the necessary in vitro tests such as biocompatibility and thrombogenicity are reviewed. Pre-clinical assessment of in vivo experimental models include patency, compliance, intimal hyperplasia, inflammatory reaction, cellular ingrowth and remodeling. Finally, early clinical trials will be periodically updated regarding results, regulatory aspects and post-marketing quality assessment. Furthermore, the reader should get an insight into various approaches, technologies and methods to better understand the complexity of blood surface and cell interactions in VTE. Translational research has yielded early human applications clearly showing the enormous need of research in the field to provide better solutions for our patients and this continuously updated book will hopefully become a reference in the field for life sciences.

A Complex and Growing Field The study of vascularization in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM) and its applications is an emerging field that could revolutionize medical approaches for organ and tissue replacement, reconstruction, and regeneration. Designed specifically for researchers in TERM fields, Vascularization: Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering provides a broad overview of vascularization in TERM applications. This text summarizes research in several areas, and includes contributions from leading experts in the field. It defines the difficulties associated with multicellular processes in vascularization and cell-source issues. It presents advanced biomaterial design strategies for control of vascular network formation and in silico models designed to provide insight not possible in experimental systems. It also examines imaging methods that are critical to understanding vascularization in engineered tissues, and addresses vascularization issues within the context of specific tissue applications. This text is divided into three parts; the first section focuses on the basics of vascularization. The second section provides general approaches for promoting vascularization. The final section presents tissue and organ-specific aspects of vascularization in regenerative medicine. Presents Areas of Substantial Clinical and Societal Impact The material contains research and science on the process of vessel assembly with an emphasis on methods for controlling the process for therapeutic applications. It describes the tissue and organ-specific aspects of vascularization in regenerative medicine, and refers to areas such as bone tissue engineering, vascularization of encapsulated cells, adipose tissue, bone and muscle engineering. It also provides a mechanistic understanding of the process and presentation of experimental and computational approaches that facilitate the study of vascular assembly, and includes enabling technologies such as nanotechnology, drug delivery, stem cells, microfluidics, and biomaterial design that are optimized for supporting the formation of extensive vascular networks in regenerative medicine. A guide for researchers developing new methods for modulating vessel assembly, this text can also be used by senior undergraduate and graduate students taking courses focused on TERM.