Tissue Engineering Human Small-Caliber Autologous Vessels Using a Xenogenous Decellularized Connective Tissue Matrix Approach: Preclinical Comparative Biomechanical Studies

Suggesting that bioartificial vascular scaffolds cannot but tissue‐engineered vessels can withstand biomechanical stress, we developed in vitro methods for preclinical biological material testings. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of revitalization of xenogenous scaffolds on biomechanical stability of tissue‐engineered vessels. For measurement of radial distensibility, a salt‐solution inflation method was used. The longitudinal tensile strength test (DIN 50145) was applied on bone‐shaped specimen: tensile/tear strength (SigmaB/R), elongation at maximum yield stress/rupture (DeltaB/R), and modulus of elasticity were determined of native (NAs; n = 6), decellularized (DAs; n = 6), and decellularized carotid arteries reseeded with human vascular smooth muscle cells and human vascular endothelial cells (RAs; n = 7). Radial distensibility of DAs was significantly lower (113%) than for NAs (135%) (P