Vascularization of Microfluidic Hydrogels

This chapter describes methods to form, vascularize, and optimize microfluidic hydrogels for applications in tissue engineering. Methods to form such scaffolds are based on removal of a sacrificial material or on the bonding of gels. Long-term stable vascularization of microfluidic gels appears to require leakproof vessels. Perfusion introduces chemical and mechanical signals that play complementary roles in controlling the stability of the vessel wall. Computational models enable optimization of microfluidic designs for which perfusion through the vessels is stable and sufficient to oxygenate surrounding tissue. Modulation of scaffold pressures with the use of drainage channels is an important strategy to promote vascular stability. We propose a straightforward algorithm for the design of microfluidic scaffolds for perfusion of vascularized, engineered tissues.