Tissue Engineered Blood Vessel
A
tissue-engineered blood vessel (TEBV) construct that employs
a collagen gel containing autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal
stem cells (BMeSCs) is being developed. Data suggest that
these cells have the capability of differentiating to various
cell types, including vascular cells, and can also facilitate
the formation of capillary networks. Current research is focused
on optimizing the isolation and characterization of BMeSCs,
as well as improving the functionality and mechanical properties
of the TEBV construct.
Researchers within the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine are dedicated to this field of study and to the overall increase in knowledge and expertise in this area of research, which is constantly growing and improving in the positive direction.