Pulsatile Culture of a Poly(DL-Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid) Sandwiched Cell/Hydrogel Construct Fabricated Using a Step-by-Step Mold/Extraction Method

To overcome the weak mechanical properties of cell/hydrogel composites, a poly(DL‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) sandwiched adipose‐derived stem cell (ADSC)/fibrin construct was fabricated using a step‐by‐step mold/extraction method to generate the middle smooth muscle layer of natural blood vessels. A pulse bioreactor with an adjustable 0–0.2 MPa pressure, 0–7% pulse amplitude, and 0–80 times/min pulse frequency was developed to mimic the liquid movement in the natural blood vessels. This new type of pulse bioreactor is sterilizable and dismantles easily. A comparative study was conducted with static and dynamic in vitro cultures. Exogenous growth factors, such as hepatocyte growth factor, platelet‐derived growth factor BB, transforming growth factor β1, and basic fibroblast growth factor were used as additives in the culture medium for inducing the ADSCs into smooth muscle cells. The dynamic training, integrated with the growth factor, induced the transformation of ADSCs into smooth muscle‐like cells with regular arrangement. This strategy shows promise of being widely used in tissue engineering and complex organ manufacturing.