Construction of Vascular Structures with Human Tropoelastin

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to make new blood vessels by using a synthesized human protein as a guide for growing human cells into tissues. The guide will be molded into a tubular shape. The protein, a water soluble form of human elastin can be produced by fermentation and will be purified, mixed with a catalyst and cast into tubular shaped molds made of glass or plastic. After the protein has set up in the tubular mold, it will be removed, tested for its strength and ability to stretch, and mixed with human epithelial cells in tissue culture media. The cells will be allowed to grow on and within the solidified protein to form a combination of a strong, elastic vessel surrounded by layers of human cells. The broader impacts of this research are the availability of new and better performing blood vessel material for dialysis patients. Dialysis patients experience problems with damage to their blood vessels during the dialysis procedure. These complications currently cost a total of $1.5 billion extra. Reducing the costs, pain and complications by using a new vascular material represents a large benefit to patients and physicians.