Ex Vivo Perfusion Culture of Large Blood Vessels in a 3D Printed Bioreactor

作者： Rolando S. Matos*1, Akram Jassim Jawad*1, Davide Maselli1, John H. McVey1, Christian Heiss1,2, Paola Campagnolo1 1Department of Biochemical Sciences, School of Biosciences,University of Surrey, 2Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, School of Biosciences,University of Surrey

简介：

Overview

This protocol presents the setup and operation of a newly developed, 3D printed bioreactor for the ex vivo culture of blood vessels in perfusion. The system is designed to be easily adopted by other users, practical, affordable, and adaptable to different experimental applications.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

• Bioreactor technology
• Vascular biology
• Tissue engineering

Background

• Existing bioreactor systems are often expensive and difficult to replicate.
• Physiological flow and pulsatile forces are crucial for maintaining cell viability in blood vessels.
• Reducing reliance on animal experiments is a key goal in vascular research.
• The development of open-source models can enhance accessibility for researchers.

Purpose of Study

• To present a cost-effective and adaptable bioreactor for blood vessel culture.
• To facilitate the study of vascular repair mechanisms.
• To provide a platform for testing stem cell and biomaterial-based therapies.

Methods Used

• Development of the EasyFlow perfusion system.
• Application of hemodynamic forces to cultured blood vessels.
• Open-source production based on a 3D model.
• Adaptation of the system for various experimental needs.

Main Results

• The EasyFlow system is economical and easy to modify.
• It accommodates a range of tissues for research.
• Initial applications include testing mechanisms of vascular repair.
• The system supports the maturation of tissue-engineered blood vessels.

Conclusions

• The EasyFlow bioreactor offers a practical solution for vascular research.
• It promotes the viability of blood vessels in culture through dynamic conditions.
• This system can significantly reduce the need for animal models in research.

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