Artificial Human Blood Vessels for Tissue Engineering
Yi Zhang, Lina Lin, Mengying Niu, Feika Bian, Weijian Wang, Yan Zu
Abstract
Vasculature occupies a crucial position in maintaining human life. However, repairing vascular injuries remains an essential challenge in clinical treatment. In recent years, vascular tissue engineering has undergone rapid progress. Compared with traditional autogenous vessel grafting, artificial blood vessels have diverse advantages, benefiting from excellent biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and controllable structures. This review focuses on the recent development of artificial engineered blood vessels to offer a systematic review of fabrication and applications of this technique. Initially, preparation materials of artificial vessels are introduced. In addition, manufacturing methods of artificial vessels are discussed, including casting, spinning, 3D printing, and microfluidics. Then, the applications in vascular replacement therapy, vascular access for hemodialysis, and peripheral arterial disease are depicted. Finally, the recent challenges and prospects of this technique are described. It is hoped that this systematic review provides valuable information to relevant researchers and encourages advancements in the creation of tissue-engineered blood vessels.