Use of an in vitro dynamic culture system to assess flow shear forces upon cell adhesion within different structures

BACKGROUND The perennial problems associated with long-term patency of small diameter vascular grafts have yet to be satisfactorily resolved. One approach to rectify this problem is a rapid endothelialization on the inner wall of the grafts, which could significantly reduce inflammation or hyperplasia. Two critical factors that can affect this process in vivo include that of the biocompatibility of the materials and adhesion strength of cells on its surfaces. Thus, an important area of investigation involves an evaluation of cell adhesion on biomaterials in a dynamic culture system, but only limited research has been directed at examining the relationship between the shear forces resulting from flow rates and cell adhesion on the surface of materials. In this study, an in vitro dynamic culture system was utilized for use in examining such relationship by changing the flow rates. RESULTS Cells adherent on monofilaments were dislodged with a shear force of 5.4 dyn, while most cells adherent on multifilaments tolerated shear forces of 7.0 dyn. CONCLUSION Priority rankings of materials could be generated as a function of the shear forces tested, and the design or application of artificial blood vessel materials for use within specific regions of the body could be optimized. (c) 2018 Society of Chemical Industry