3D Bioprinting of a Humanoid Vascular Graft: First Results of the Dr. Rusche Research Project 2021

Background: The lack of vascular grafts in coronary heart surgery as well as high occlusion rates of bypass grafts in vascular medicine lead to an ongoing high demand for allogeneic vascular grafts in cardiovascular medicine. Therefore, the goal of the Dr. Rusche Research Project 2021 was the development and establishment of a 3D bioprinting platform for the production of a humanoid vascular graft.

Method: As a preliminary work of the described project, a novel 3D bioprinting platform was developed and realized according to industrial standards within the Dr. Rusche research project 2021. In the following proof-of-concept study, endothelial cells from human umbilical veins (HUVEC) and human endothelial progenitor cells (EPC), respectively, were printed in a layer-to-layer process and cultivated in a bioreactor. The grafts were compared with respect to their biological and mechanical properties in vitro and in the flow model. Animal experiments in small and large animals have not been fully completed at the time of abstract submission and will provide information on openness rates and biomechanical resilience.

Results: Vital passage of HUVECs and EPCs during the printing process was demonstrated. Within 14 days, a largely cellularized graft of 30-cm length could be produced and cultured in the bioreactor. The biomechanical properties were comparable to vein grafts in extensive in vitro studies. Successful transplantation of the grafts in a cadaver model was performed. Results from a large animal model (Göttingen Mini-Pigs) are currently under development to investigate the long-term performance.

Conclusion: 3D bioprinting is a promising and innovative strategy for realizing individualized allogeneic bypass grafts in cardiovascular medicine.

No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).

Publication History

Article published online:
03 February 2022