Biomaterials containing extracellular matrix molecules as biomimetic next-generation vascular grafts

Synthetic biomaterial vascular grafts perform well in large-diameter applications but remain an intractable challenge in small-diameter (less than 6 mm) applications due to an inability to support rapid endothelialization while imparting blood compatibility and regulating smooth muscle cells.Some extracellular matrix molecules have an inherent ability to bind endothelial cells but neither smooth muscle cells nor platelets, making them attractive candidates for incorporation into biomaterials for vascular graft applications.Advances to recombinant protein expression and emerging approaches to immobilize biomolecules on surfaces offer ways to overcome the barriers to the broader exploration of incorporating ECM molecules in vascular graft biomaterials. The performance of synthetic biomaterial vascular grafts for the bypass of stenotic and dysfunctional blood vessels remains an intractable challenge in small-diameter applications. The functionalization of biomaterials with extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules is a promising approach because these molecules can regulate multiple biological processes in vascular tissues. In this review, we critically examine emerging approaches to ECM-containing vascular graft biomaterials and explore opportunities for future research and development toward clinical use. The performance of synthetic biomaterial vascular grafts for the bypass of stenotic and dysfunctional blood vessels remains an intractable challenge in small-diameter applications. The functionalization of biomaterials with extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules is a promising approach because these molecules can regulate multiple biological processes in vascular tissues. In this review, we critically examine emerging approaches to ECM-containing vascular graft biomaterials and explore opportunities for future research and development toward clinical use.