Master Thesis
Topic
"3D Printed Polycaprolactone Scaffolds for Co-Culture of Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Cells in Vascular Tissue Engineering"
Abstract
The development of small-diameter vascular grafts remains a critical challenge in cardiovascular tissue engineering due to issues of thrombosis, intimal hyperplasia, and insufficient integration with host tissue. Three-dimensional (3D) printing of polycaprolactone (PCL), a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer, offers precise control over scaffold geometry, porosity, and mechanical strength suitable for vascular applications. In this work, PCL-based scaffolds were fabricated using additive manufacturing to mimic the anisotropic architecture of the native vascular wall. To promote physiological functionality, a co-culture system of endothelial cells (ECs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) was established on the scaffolds. Endothelial cells seeded on the luminal surface provided an antithrombogenic interface, while smooth muscle cells integrated within the scaffold matrix supported structural integrity and paracrine signaling. The co-culture approach enhanced endothelialization, improved cell-cell communication, and promoted extracellular matrix deposition compared to monocultures. This study highlights the potential of 3D printed PCL scaffolds combined with EC–SMC co-culturing as a robust strategy for engineering biomimetic vascular constructs with improved clinical translation potential.
Contact person:
Dr. Tamilselvan Mohan
Prof. Karin Stana Kleinschek
Institute for chemistry and technology of biobased systems
Contact email:
tamilselvan.mohannoSpam@tugraz.at
karin.stanakleinscheknoSpam@tugraz.at
