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Richard Bibb, Nadine Nottrodt and Arnold Gillner

sions in the micron range or by stereolithography with tions of vascular cells in contact with novel materials
dimensions in the mm to cm range (see Figure 3) [2,13] . to optimize the establishment of composite vascular
systems. This included the interaction of perivascular
cells, with endothelial cells and the underlying extra-
cellular matrix (ECM). Additionally the interaction
between adipocytes and electrospun or biological ma-
trices will be investigated.
The vasculature is characterized by a composite
structure of functionally distinct cells like pericytes
(PC) and endothelial cells (EC) in the vessel wall,
specialized ECM layers (vascular basement membrane,
interstitial matrix) and contacts with surrounding tis-
sues. This WP defined the effects of novel materials
on the phenotype, behavior and receptor-mediated
signaling of vascular cells with a focus on perivascular

Figure 3. Vessel structure created using stereolithography. and endothelial cells to improve maturation and sta-
bility of engineered vascular structures. In parallel
Material development for inkjet printing proved to adipocyte interactions with electrospun and biological
be very challenging. It was possible to demonstrate scaffold materials was analyzed.
the printing of flat structures successfully. However,
the development of a support material necessary for 6.1 Objectives for WP6
multi-layered structures that was water-soluble and yet The main objective was to achieve a detailed under-
did not mix with build material proved impossible standing of the characteristics and functions of vascu-
during the project. lar cells in contact with novel materials to optimize
The goal of process combination was realized wit- the establishment of composite vascular systems. This
hin a manufacturing chain containing inkjet printing included perivascular cells, essential for the mutual
units, stereolithography or MPP-module and UV-cur- interactions of endothelial cells to the underlying ECM
ing unit working under inert gas atmosphere (see Fig- and surrounding tissues. Additionally, the interaction
ure 4). Electrospinning was not integrated into this between adipocytes and electrospun or biological ma-
machine but a separate electrospinning module exists trices was investigated. Specific objectives were:
(INNO, UNISA) and it can be combined by using a • To define and modify the effects of novel mate-
container transport system. rials and specific ligands regarding to adhesion,

proliferation and differentiation on individual
vascular cells with a focus on pericytes, endo-
thelial cells and adipocytes,
• To realize the efficient endothelialization of the
artificial vascular systems,
• To evaluate the interaction of adipocytes with
electrospun or biological matrices,
• To transfer the knowledge from the murine
system to human systems.
6.2 Objectives for WP9

Figure 4. Prototype modular production unit (Fh-IPA). The overall objective of WP9 was the development of
a vascularized composite graft using the example of
6. Matrix Tissue Interaction and Tissue De- vascularized skin by the achievement of the following
velopment (WPs 6, 9, 10) specific objectives:
• To develop in vitro fatty tissues and compare
The overall objective of this WP was to achieve a de- them to non-scaffold and scaffold-based models,
tailed understanding of the characteristics and func- • To combine this fat layer with a dermal and
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