title: Luminal surface engineering, 'micro and nanopatterning': potential for self endothelialising vascular grafts?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  New technologies are being explored to meet the clinical need for an 'off-the-shelf' small diameter vascular graft with superior or at least equivalent properties to autologous vessel. The field of nanotechnology and fabrication promises major advances in biomaterial design and wall structure to deliver biomimetic grafts. This review brings together recent work on this topic.
  
  
  METHODS
  A literature search was conducted of PubMed and ISI Web of Knowledge using relevant keywords. Articles published after January 2005 were given preference. Personal communications and PhD theses were also used as sources.
  
  
  RESULTS
  An evolving focus on surface patterning of biomaterials has been found to carry great potential. Influencing cellular behaviour on prosthetic grafts using graft luminal surface modulation at the micro- and nano-levels is the basis of this recent concept in vascular graft development.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This technology may deliver small diameter grafts with the potential for spontaneous in situ endothelialisation without the need for prior 'seeding', with the potential to open a new chapter in vascular graft development.
authors.affiliation: Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Centre for Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: D S T
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Chong
authors.affiliation: Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lindsey
authors.affiliation: Centre for Cell Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Dalby
authors.affiliation: Division of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Gadegaard
authors.affiliation: Centre for Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Seifalian
authors.affiliation: Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Centre for Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK. Electronic address: g.hamilton@ucl.ac.uk.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hamilton
mesh_terms: D001705:Bioprosthesis; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000473:pathology*; D006083:Graft Occlusion, Vascular / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: Endothelialisation; Surface topography; Vascular grafts