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Endothelialization and Flow Conditioning of Fibrin-Based Media-Equivalents

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Abstract

It is generally accepted that endothelialization and subsequent development of a functional endothelium are of paramount importance to the success of any bioartificial artery. In this study, we aimed to assess the ability of smooth muscle cell-remodeled, fibrin-based media-equivalents (MEs) to be endothelialized, examine the morphological changes of endothelial cells (ECs) associated with exposure to physiologically-relevant shear stress in a custom-built bioreactor, and determine if adherent ECs are capable of withstanding average physiological shear stresses. It was found that MEs could be readily endothelialized with surface coverages of 98.8 ± 0.9% after two days, and the ECs expressed von Willebrand factor. Furthermore, EC retention remained high (steady: 96.5 ± 4.4%, pulsatile: 94.3 ± 4.3%) under exposure to physiologically relevant shear stresses for 48 h. The results indicate that these MEs are conducive to generating an EC monolayer, with the ECs possessing adhesion strength sufficient to withstand physiological shear stress and maintain a normal phenotype.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This work was supported by NHLBI HL60495 (R.T.T.). Deborah Cocking-Johnson and Dr. Ginés Escolar performed the Baumgartner assay and the sample analysis, respectively. The technical assistance of Sandra Johnson, Naomi Ferguson, and Diane Tobolt is also gratefully acknowledged.

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  1. Brett C. Isenberg

    Present address: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, 44 Cummington Street, Boston, MA, USA, 02215

  2. Chrysanthi Williams

    Present address: Bose Corporation, ElectroForce Systems Group, 10250 Valley View Road, Suite 113, Eden Prairie, MN, 55344, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical Engineering & Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA

    Brett C. Isenberg & Robert T. Tranquillo

  2. Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Suite 7-114 Hasselmo Hall, 312 Church Street, Minneapolis, MN, USA, 55455

    Chrysanthi Williams & Robert T. Tranquillo

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Correspondence to Robert T. Tranquillo.

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Isenberg, B.C., Williams, C. & Tranquillo, R.T. Endothelialization and Flow Conditioning of Fibrin-Based Media-Equivalents. Ann Biomed Eng 34, 971–985 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-006-9101-0

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