Biofabrication of Vascular Networks

Abstract The primary function of the mammalian vasculature is to circulate blood throughout the tissues of the body. Necessarily, the varied individual vessels comprising the vasculature are organized into a network, the topology of which establishes an effective perfusion circuit. This is most relevant in the distal portions of the vasculature where numerous, smaller-caliber flow paths must exist to properly distribute blood throughout a tissue. Whether to recreate one in the laboratory or regenerate a vasculature therapeutically, the small vessel calibers and the critical dependence on network topology of these distal microvasculatures create a number of fabrication challenges. A more complete understanding of the determinants of native vascular network form and function coupled with innovative approaches for manipulating and patterning vascular elements are now enabling the development of promising strategies for the fabrication of effective vascular networks.