Jalaledin Ghanavi - Mycobacteriology Research Center (MRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease(NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Introduction and purpose: The survival of biosynthetic grafts that are supposed to restore vein function stands and falls on their nutrient supply. The construction of bioartificial vein is limited due to lack of blood vessels. We introduce a new concept to obtain biosynthetic vein grafts, which is made from amniotic membrane. Materials and methods: We have designed an experimental reactor with multiple compartments for the production of artificial tissue or tissue precursors. By introducing inlet and outlet lines of defined diameter and placing a core reservoir in each chamber, we established continuous venous flow through visualized ۳D tissue culture. In the present study, amniotic membrane components served as ground matrix. Tomography and live/dead assays were used to assess cell viability and distribution compared to static culture.Results: We obtained ۷ mm thick ۳D constructs that show high viability and metabolism. The biosynthetic vein remains patent throughout the entire cultivation process. We observed the centrifugal migration of the embedded amniotic membrane to the location of the nuclear vein. Conclusion: The concept of amniotic membrane tissue culture is very effective in making a viable bioartificial vein for vein repair, which can be done through surgery. The bioreactors designed in this study may accommodate different types of cells and tissues for a myriad of applications.

Construction, bioartificial vein, amniotic membrane