Development and characterization of a pulsatile-flow bioreactor for Vascular Graft studies

Tissue Engineered Vascular Grafts aim to mimic the physiological environment, structure, and function of a native vessel. In order to investigate the effects of a poly(□-caprolactone) (PCL) biomimetic graft, a bioreactor system was developed to provide pressurized, pulsatile flow through the graft. The bioreactor system was calibrated for flow and pressure profiles to target physiological shear stresses on the walls of the lumen of the graft. In future studies, the bioreactor system will allow for dynamic co-culture of smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells on the PCL bilayer vascular graft.