Modulating alignment and contractile protein expression in vascular smooth muscle cell sheets: Using microcontact printing and mechanical conditioning

Disrupted hierarchical structure in blood vessels following cardiovascular injury may contribute to maladaptive remodeling and lead to changes in mechanical properties. Cell-based tissue-engineered constructs that mimic native structures can actively adapt to guide remodeling, growth, and self-maintenance at the injury site. Cell sheet engineering technologies allow recovery without using damaging enzymes, but produce fragile cell sheets. To increase robustness, we may also be able to use mechanical conditioning to replicate native biomechanical properties. Additionally, aligning cells before mechanical conditioning may influence extracellular matrix (ECM) secretion and thus, mechanical properties.