Fabrication of vascular-like conduits in gel structures by robotic needle navigation system

Vascular networks are essential for the long-term survival of implanted grafts. Under physiological conditions, these networks include arteries, veins, and capillaries, which transport vital fluids, gases, and nutrients – such as blood, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and minerals – to the cells. However, creating vascular channels within bioengineered grafts remains a significant engineering challenge. In this study, we investigated an alternative biomanufacturing method for generating straight and curved vascular channels by employing a needle navigation process, which mimics the vascularization process inside a biocompatible polymer poly(vinyl alcohol) gel. The stability of the channels fabricated via this process was studied. Cells were seeded inside the manufactured artificial vascular channels, and their viability was measured over time. These results indicate the preliminary potential of the needle navigation method for the fabrication of viable vascular-like conduits in bioengineered grafts.