Our Approach
Our team has addressed the limitations of conventional vascular grafts by developing our own tissue-engineered blood vessel (TEBV). Unlike traditional vascular grafts, which often trigger immune reactions and are susceptible to narrowing and calcification, our TEBV utilizes a human cell bank and cutting-edge technology to create a structure that closely mimics the human body's natural blood vessels.
Our TEBV consists of a smooth endothelial layer, adjustable muscular medium, and connective tissue, creating a reliable structure that can be used as a replacement for damaged blood vessels. To minimize the risk of immune response, the developed tissue is then decellularized, removing all sources of immunogenic material.
Once implanted, the remaining extracellular matrix can serve as a blood vessel immediately and provide a niche for recruiting native vascular cells to regenerate. This rapid cell recruitment is the key to successful regeneration and resistance to thrombosis and aneurysm.
1998
The rolling-up TEBV being developed
In Nikolas L'Heureux's lab, the concept of rolling a cell sheet into a tubular tissue was first developed. The TEBV contains three cell types, smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts.
2016
A rapid rolling-up TEBV method is developed
Our laboratory has begun investigating a simpler method for standardizing the process of creating rolled TEBVs, marking the first attempt to regulate thickness, diameter, and mechanical strength.
2017
A self-adjustable auto-rolling TEBV scaffold is developed
To better regulate degradation time and minimize gaps between cell sheets, our laboratory initially developed a self-rolling structure utilizing composite materials.
2017
Patency test on small animal model in laboratory environment
With an exceptional six-month patency rate, we have successfully demonstrated proof of concept in the first phase of our development.
2018
An electrospinning-based and fibrin-glue-aided scaffold is developed
We are able to adjust the cell alignment and fine-tune the thickness of various layers to achieve the desired mechanical properties.
2021
GMP standard manufacture lab established in Shenzhen
We are now prepared to conduct large-scale investigations on the TEBV as we move towards the IND stage.
TEBV Pipeline
Uniquely designed niches promote native cells to immigrate and differentiate into vascular tissue.
Regenerative
Resistance to thrombosis and anti-inflammation factors allows it to have high long-term patency.
High patency rate
Once unpackaged, the TEBV can directly apply to the lesion for bypass surgery without any perfusion.
Ready to use
Second-generation vascular graft
TEBV: A blood vessel reborn in a natural mimicking fashion
A self-modeling implant that develops into a blood vessel of your own.
