Bioreactor for the reconstitution of a decellularized vascular matrix of biological origin

Abstract

Acellular matrices derived from animal and human cadaveric donor vessels or other tubular matrices are appropriate candidates for the creation of tissue- en-gineered, small-diameter, muscular arteries. Engi-neering principles have been used to design a bio-reactor and the necessary auxiliary systems for the reconstitution of a previously decellularized vascular matrix. The bioreactor enables the attachment of cells to the luminal and/or exterior surfaces of the matrix. For the recellularization procedure, the matrix is situated within a sealed compartment in order to maintain a sterile environment. The matrix is rotated continuously to assure a spatially uniform re-constitution. The auxiliary systems that serve the bioreactor are: (a) an oxygenator, (b) peristaltic pumps, one for conveying the internal cell medium and the other for conveying the external cell medium, (c) motor and gearing to create steady and controlled rotation, (d) reservoirs for the containment of the two media, and (e) tubing to convey the respective fluids and to interconnect the bioreactor culture chamber to the various auxiliary components. A recellularized matrix produced by the bioreactor demonstrated its capabilities to reconstitute a previously decellularized scaffold.