The scientists worked with a special hydrogel whose properties they can modify in a controlled manner. This allowed cell groups to migrate from an original blood vessel and grow into new human blood vessel cells in tubular structures.
Long-term, the researchers hope to use their findings to develop artificial tissues that can be implanted in humans.
The scientists published their findings in Nature Communications:
Liu J, Long H, Zeuschner D, Räder AFB, Polacheck WJ, Kessler H, Sorokin L, Trappmann B.; "Synthetic extracellular matrices with tailored adhesiveness and degradability support lumen formation during angiogenic sprouting."; Nat Commun 2021 Jun 7;12(1):3402.
Source and further information:
https://www.bionity.com/de/news/1172151/erstes-kuenstliches-gewebemodell-entwickelt-in-dem-blutgefaesse-wachsen.html