Study on vascular grafts characteristics supporting endothelial cell attachment under flow culture conditions

Abstract

Endothelial cells form the innermost vascular layer, regulating blood coagulation and vascular physiology. Therefore, culturing and investigating the interaction of vascular grafts and endothelial cells provide insight into their potential applications in vascular transplantation. In this study, a bioreactor system was established to enable flow culture conditions. The flow rate was appropriately adjusted to maintain a closed and sterile culture environment. Under simulated flow conditions, endothelial cells were circulated using a bioreactor, and cell viability and attachment were evaluated on the graft surface. The vascular grafts showcased the ability to support endothelial cell attachment. Under flow culture conditions, the calcein staining images also addressed endothelial cell adhesion on vascular grafts after 72-hour culture. The vascular grafts were also demonstrated to support the adhesion of endothelial cells in in vitro culture. The flow culture system is suitable for cellular studies, thereby enabling prediction of potential endothelialisation effects following vascular graft implantation in vivo.