FIGURE 4.

Production of human acellular vessels (HAVs). HAVs are prepared in the bioreactor by seeding human donor vascular cells onto biocompatible and biodegradable mesh scaffolds. In a few weeks, cells grow and produce new tissues, which form tubular vascular structures, while the mesh scaffolds degrade. Then, the generated vessels are decellularized to remove the immunogenicity and components that may induce an immune response. After decellularization, the extracellular matrix structure of HAVs is complete, and the biomechanical properties of blood vessels are also retained. HAVs stored in the bioreactor can be easily transported and used immediately when needed.