Thromboresistant Small Diameter Tissue-Engineered Vascular Grafts

The overall goal of this Phase I SBIR application is to develop a non-cell-based means of inhibiting coagulation and platelet activation on engineered vascular grafts, so that small-diameter arterial grafts may be available off the shelf. This arterial graft will consist of human engineered tissue that is decellularized and coated with a novel, covalently-bound layer that mimics aspects of the endothelial cell glycocalyx. By providing an anti-thrombotic function through inhibition of the intrinsic clotting pathway and platelets, this coating will address the main problem with current small diameter vascular grafts, which is early, severe clotting. If functional and successful, this engineered, coated arterial graft will provide an option for patients who lack available vein for bypass conduit, and possibly eliminate the need to harvest a patient's own vein tissue for use as a replacement conduit in vascular bypass surgeries. Cardiovascular disease is the most costly and deadly disease in the US and in mu