2011 Volume No 21 – pages 157-176
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Title: Current concepts and new developments for autologous in vivo endothelialisation of biomaterials for intravascular applications |
Author: M Avci-Adali, N Perle, G Ziemer, HP Wendel |
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Address: Clinical Research Laboratory, Department of Congenital and Paediatric Cardiac Surgery, University Children´s Hospital Tuebingen, Calwerstr. 7/1, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany |
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E-mail: hans-peter.wendel at med.uni-tuebingen.de |
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Key Words: Tissue engineering, biocompatibility, implants, stem cells, endothelial cells, cardiovascular tissue. |
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Publication date: February 11th 2011 |
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Abstract: Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in the peripheral blood of adults represent an auspicious cell source for tissue engineering of an autologous endothelium on blood-contacting implants. Novel materials biofunctionalised with EPC-specific capture molecules represent an intriguing strategy for induction of selective homing of progenitor cells. The trapped EPCs can differentiate into endothelial cells and generate a non-thrombogenic surface on artificial materials. However, the success of this process mainly depends on the use of optimised capture molecules with a high selectivity and affinity. In recent years, various biomedical engineering strategies have emerged for in situ immobilisation of patient’s own stem cells on blood contacting materials. The realisation of this in vivo tissue engineering concept and generation of an endothelium on artificial surfaces could exceedingly enhance the performance of not only small calibre vascular grafts and stents, but also, in general all blood-contacting medical devices, such as heart valves, artificial lungs, hearts, kidneys, and ventricular assist devices. |
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Article download: Pages
157-176 (PDF file) |
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