Fibrin – a promising material for vascular tissue engineering

Abstract

This review looks at the use of fibrin in vascular tissue engineering (VTE). Autologous fibrin is one of the most affordable biopolymers because it can be obtained from peripheral blood by simple techniques. A description and comparative analysis of the methods and approaches for producing fibrin gel is provided. The ability of fibrin to promote cell attachment and migration, survival and angiogenesis, to accumulate growth factors and release them in a controlled manner, are unique and extremely useful in VTE. Fibrin gels can serve as a three-dimensional matrix molded in different sizes and shapes to be applied in a variety of ways, including as a scaffold, coating, or impregnation material. Fibrin’s high porosity and biodegradability allows controllable release of growth factors, yet fibrinolysis must be tightly regulated to avoid side effects. We discuss the main methods of regulating the rate of fibrinolysis, as well as possible side effects of such exposure. Low mechanical strength is the main limitation in using fibrin as a scaffold for vascular tissue engineering. Possible options for increasing the strength properties of fibrin matrix and evaluating their effectiveness are presented. We propose that unique biocompatibility and ideal biodegradation profile of fibrin justify its use as a scaffold material for developing an ideal fully autologous small-diameter tissue-engineered vascular graft.