Polymer-based scaffold designs for in situ vascular tissue engineering : controlling recruitment and differentiation behavior of endothelial colony forming cells

E.S. Fioretta, Joost Fledderus, E.A. Burakowska-Meise, F.P.T. Baaijens, M.C. Verhaar, C.V.C. Bouten

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

45 Citations (Scopus)
3 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

In situ vascular tissue engineering has been proposed as a promising approach to fulfill the need for small-diameter blood vessel substitutes. The approach comprises the use of a cell-free instructive scaffold to guide and control cell recruitment, differentiation, and tissue formation at the locus of implantation. Here we review the design parameters for such scaffolds, with special emphasis on differentiation of recruited ECFCs into the different lineages that constitute the vessel wall. Next to defining the target properties of the vessel, we concentrate on the target cell source, the ECFCs, and on the environmental control of the fate of these cells within the scaffold. The prospects of the approach are discussed in the light of current technical and biological hurdles.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)577-590
Number of pages14
JournalMacromolecular Bioscience
Volume12
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Polymer-based scaffold designs for in situ vascular tissue engineering : controlling recruitment and differentiation behavior of endothelial colony forming cells'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this