Decellularized Fibrin Gel-Covered Canine Carotid Artery: A Completely Biological Composite Scaffold for Tissue-Engineered Small-Caliber Vascular Graft

To improve mechanical properties of fibrin gel-based scaffolds for tissue-engineered, small-diameter vascular grafts, we developed a completely biological composite scaffold using fibrin gel and decellularized canine carotid arteries. The hybrid scaffold was fabricated by spray-coating fibrin gel onto the outer surface (group A), inner surface (group B), or inner and outer surfaces (group C) of decellularized canine carotid arteries. Additionally, vascular grafts were constructed using the hybrid scaffold and porcine vascular cells (myofibroblasts and endothelial cells). Histological examination revealed that the fibrin gel was bound to the decellularized canine carotid artery. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that the decellularized canine carotid artery fibers were closely intertwined with the fibrin gel fibers Obtained vascular grafts consisted of three layers. Compared to fresh canine carotid arteries, completely biological hybrid scaffolds and the tissue-engineered vascular grafts exhibited similar burst strengths, ultimate tensile strengths, and radial compliances. Furthermore, the decellularized canine carotid arteries showed significantly lower radial compliance than other groups. The three different construction methods had no significant impact on the biomechanical properties of the completely biological hybrid scaffolds. Therefore, the completely biological hybrid scaffold, using fibrin gel and decellularized canine carotid artery, can serve as a scaffold for tissue-engineered, small-diameter vascular grafts.