title: Endothelialized microvasculature based on a biodegradable elastomer.
abstract: Vital organs maintain dense microvasculature to sustain the proper function of their cells. For tissue- engineered organs to function properly, artificial capillary networks must be developed. We have microfabricated capillary networks with a biodegradable and biocompatible elastomer, poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS). We etched capillary patterns onto silicon wafers by standard micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) techniques. The resultant silicon wafers served as micromolds for the devices. We bond the patterned PGS film with a flat film to create capillary networks that were perfused with a syringe pump at a physiological flow rate. The devices were endothelialized under flow conditions, and part of the lumens reached confluence within 14 days of culture. This approach may lead to tissue-engineered microvasculature that is critical in vital organs engineering.
authors.affiliation: Division of Health Science and Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fidkowski
authors.forename: Mohammad R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Kaazempur-Mofrad
authors.forename: Jeffrey
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Borenstein
authors.forename: Joseph P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Vacanti
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Langer
authors.forename: Yadong
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D002460:Cell Line; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D020724:Elastomers / Q000737:chemistry*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D020007:Implants, Experimental; D008833:Microcirculation; D010477:Perfusion; D012825:Silicon / Q000737:chemistry; D013499:Surface Properties; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D014471:Umbilical Veins / Q000166:cytology
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D020724:Elastomers; D012825:Silicon