The path to a hemocompatible cardiovascular implant: Advances and challenges of current endothelialization strategies

Introduction

Coronary artery disease, heart valve dysfunction and heart failure are the leading causes of death worldwide (1, 2). Today, cardiovascular (CV) implants such as coronary stents, vascular grafts, bioprosthetic heart valves, and ventricular assist devices (VADs) are cornerstones in the treatment of CV disease. However, they are still associated with considerable adverse events such as thromboembolic events and infection (3).

In most cases, obstructive coronary artery disease is treated with percutaneous stent implantation or balloon angioplasty. However, both approaches increase the peri-interventional risk for endothelial damage and local inflammation, leading to restenosis due to intimal hyperplasia. To date, these adverse effect are counteracted by coating the stents with biodegradable polymers loaded with anti-proliferative drugs (e.g., sirolimus, everolimus, or paclitaxel) (4). However, local pharmacological therapy also disrupts endothelialization across the stent surface, which in turn increases the risk of late in-stent thrombosis and thus the need for a long-term inhibition of platelet aggregation (5). In patients with progressive multi-vessel coronary disease, coronary revascularization with autologous arterial grafts is the gold standard. However, in an increasingly aging and multi-morbid population, appropriate autologous arterial and venous grafts are often difficult to obtain. In addition, co-morbidities such as diabetes negatively impact graft remodeling and a significant number of patients suffer from a high rate of long-term graft failure (6). Therefore, there is an increasing clinical demand for small-diameter tissue engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) that promote and support endothelialization at their luminal surface to avoid thrombus formation (7). In addition, widespread implantation of TEVGs could minimize wound complications associated with peripheral graft harvesting.

For patients with advanced degenerative heart valve disease, mechanical or bioprosthetic valve implantation is chosen if the native valve is unsuitable for reconstructive surgery. Patients that receive mechanical implants require lifelong anticoagulation to avoid potential thrombogenic complications (8). After implantation of a xenogeneic bioprosthetic valve, guidelines recommend anticoagulation therapy for only 3 months, because thrombotic events usually occur within the first 3 months after implantation (9). However, leaflets of bioprosthetic valves can calcify and become fibrotic over time, leading to progressive stenosis. A biocompatible fully endothelialized tissue-engineered heart valve (TEHV) may prevent early thrombus formation, chronic degeneration and generally minimizes the duration of anticoagulation therapy and associated complications.

For patients with end-stage heart failure due to coronary artery disease, heart valve dysfunction or other causes, heart transplantation and VAD support are the only available therapeutic options. However, both have their limitations and due to the increasing lack of donor organs, there will be a higher need for VAD therapy in the future (10). Unfortunately, long-term VAD implantation dramatically increases the risk of thrombosis and hemorrhagic complications due to insufficient hemocompatibility (11).

Endothelialization of vascular stents, vascular grafts, valves or even VADs may minimize the major disadvantages associated with long-term implantation of CV implants, but is still a challenging goal. For example, a plethora of reviews have reported current and evolving strategies designed to aid in the mobilization of bone marrow endothelial progenitor cells, as well as cell-specific homing, adhesion, and activation for in situ endothelialization (12–16). Moreover, there are numerous reviews on innovative methods that are utilized for biomaterial biofunctionalization. While many reports mainly focus on chemical modification, less attention has been paid to physical modification of biomaterial surfaces (17, 18). In addition, most of the literature focusing on physical modifications is limited regarding the effect of different nanotopographic patterns or biomaterials on basic cell functions such as adhesion, orientation, or migration (19, 20). In the present review, we look back on the last three decades and report critically on important innovative steps toward the endothelialization of CV implants (6). Furthermore, we focus on physical modification of surfaces with the aim to describe sperically the influence of surface-induced biomechanical cues on complex endothelial cell (EC) functions such as proliferation, apoptosis, inflammatory activation or even regeneration. As endothelialization strategies will target more complex CV implants in the future, we also evaluate VAD endothelialization studies and endeavor to critically comment on challenges related to the complexity and cost-effectiveness, as well as the regulatory path and clinical utility of endothelialization in CV implants.

Function of the endothelial monolayer

ECs play an important role in hemostasis and blood-tissue barrier function, including: (i) control of vascular tone and permeability, (ii) control of coagulation and inflammation, and (iii) modulation of regenerative and anti-apoptotic pathways (21). In general, the endothelial monolayer covers the vascular luminal surface and acts as a selective barrier controlling the movement of water, proteins, metabolites and blood cells between the intravascular and interstitial space (22). Endothelial barrier functions are mainly ensured by junctional integrity, which is controlled by proteins that form the adherens junction (AJ) and tight junction (TJ) complexes, the focal adhesions (FAs) and the actin cytoskeleton. Adjacent ECs are laterally connected to their neighbors through AJs and TJs, both based on transmembrane adhesive proteins that promote homophilic interactions in a dynamic and plastic way (23, 24). Integrin-based FAs connect the basal side of ECs to the endothelial basement membrane (EBM). In the cytoplasm, the dynamic organization of actin filaments anchored to regions of cell-to-cell or cell-to-EBM contact contributes to a super-cellular mechanosensitive and mechanotransducive molecular network (25). Moreover, vascular permeability is determined by the synthesis and release of a wide range of vasoactive molecules (26). Nitric oxide (NO), the most studied vasoactive molecule is generated from L-arginine by endothelial NO synthase. NO synthesis leads to vasodilation, increases vascular permeability, inhibits platelet aggregation and modulates smooth muscle cell proliferation (22, 27). Intriguingly, NO synthesis and release, as well as inter-cellular junctions, FAs, and cytoskeletal organization are all modulated under the impact of blood flow-mediated biomechanical cues (28). The endothelium senses these signals and converts them into biological responses via mechanotransduction pathways to maintain its physiological function (28, 29). Under steady laminar blood flow in straight arterial segments with high shear stress acting on the endothelial luminal surface, ECs orient parallel to the flow as actin filament elongation reduces parallel intercellular stresses in favor of stability of intercellular adherent junctions and improvement of the monolayer integrity (30, 31). In addition, the physiological activation of NO synthesis and release increases blood flow to areas of the body that are deprived of oxygen and nutrients (32, 33). In contrast, impaired multidirectional turbulent blood flow at specific anatomic sites (e.g., aortic bifurcation) due to low shear stress is associated with reduced NO production and a chronic, low-grade inflammatory process. This in turn leads to a predisposition to endothelial injury and activation of the blood clotting cascade, mainly in patients with common risk factors such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, and diabetes mellitus (34–36).

When endothelial injury occurs, extracellular matrix (ECM) components, such as collagen, exposed to blood lead to the accumulation of platelets, red blood cells and fibrin polymerization, resulting in thrombus formation (37). In general, this coagulation process occurs via two pathways: (i) the extrinsic pathway, which is primarily triggered by external trauma, and (ii) the intrinsic pathway, which is triggered by damage to the inner vessel wall. The extrinsic pathway consists of the transmembrane receptor tissue factor (TF), which binds to coagulation factor VII/VIIa and initiates the coagulation cascade. The intrinsic pathway consists of plasma coagulation factors XI, IX, and VIII (37). TF is mainly expressed by perivascular cells such as adventitia fibroblasts or even vascular smooth muscle cells and circulating monocytes in response to the initiation of the coagulation cascade (38). Interestingly, mechanical injury due to excessive stretching or excessive release of circulating pro-inflammatory molecules (e.g., lipopolysaccharide, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, thromboxane A2) leads to EC activation and enhanced expression of TF, mainly due to nuclear translocation of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). In parallel, there is a down-regulation of anticoagulant factors [e.g., thrombomodulin, tissue plasminogen activator, tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), NO synthesis] and a decrease in heparan-sulfate containing the anticoagulant glycocalyx (39). Furthermore, in activated ECs, intracellular vesicles with preformed proteins (e.g., the Weibel–Palade bodies) accumulate at the plasma membrane and release von Willebrand factor (VWF), P/E-selectin, angiopoietin-2, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1, which enhance further platelet binding and leukocyte recruitment (40). Moreover, blood cell transmigration and the release of pro-inflammatory stimuli destabilize the intercellular junctions, contributing to a progressive disruption of the endothelial barrier and the propagation of inflammation and thrombus formation (41).

Whereas permeability, monolayer integrity, and anticoagulant properties of EC monolayers are controlled by flow- or inflammation-mediated biomechanical cues as described above. Biomechanical cues derived from the interplay between FAs and the EBM appear to play a fundamental role in monolayer connectivity as well as modulation of tissue repair pathways. Intriguingly, there is a growing body of literature expressing the hypothesis that cross-regulation between AJs and FAs contributes to the maintenance of vascular barrier function (42). Furthermore, recent experimental data recognize integrins as a major player in endothelialization during angiogenesis, which regulate fundamental cellular processes including not only anchoring, polarization, and migration, but also cell proliferation, differentiation, and regeneration (43, 44). Indeed, mechanosensing can be transmitted from the cell membrane through the actin cytoskeleton to the nucleoskeleton by cell-to-surface interaction, thereby modulating gene expression associated with regenerative, tissue repair and antiapoptotic pathways (45, 46).

Requirements for biomimetic surfaces and strategies for endothelialization

To develop a CV implant with a hemocompatible luminal surface, several key requirements must be met. The ideally biocompatible surface for endothelialization should (i) reduce or even eliminate non-specific protein adsorption (ii) enhance EC adhesion, polarization, flow-oriented elongation, and migration, leading to the establishment of an EC monolayer, (iii) prevent platelet adhesion and thrombus formation due to inflammatory EC activation and initiation of blood coagulation cascade, and (iv) activate regenerative and anti-apoptotic pathways without increasing the risk of uncontrolled proliferation and tumor growth. Considering the essential role of the EC monolayer in the homeostasis of the whole vascular wall, numerous research groups are making immense efforts to develop innovative strategies for successful endothelialization of CV implants. Two of the most common approaches for the development of CV implant surfaces aimed at mimicking and adopting the properties of ECs are physical and chemical modification. Physical modification approaches aim to engineer physical properties of biomaterials, including stiffness, wetness and surface topography, at the micro- or nanoscale topography (47). Chemical modification strategies aim to adjust chemical and biological properties of biomaterials (47). The most studied type of chemical modification is the biofunctionalization of surfaces via chemical adsorption, surface grafting, plasma treatment, and control of protein adsorption. Protein adsorption is the first event that occurs after implantation of a CV implant, beginning a few seconds after blood–surface interaction (48). After binding on the surface, the protein molecules (e.g., albumin and fibrinogen) show a modification of their macromolecular conformation that tends to adopt unique biochemical and physicochemical behavior (49). The progressive degradation of biomaterials, chronic recurrent infection due to biofilm formation, deleterious inflammatory, and immune responses, as well as initiation of blood coagulation cascade due to the activation of circulating blood cells and blood coagulation factors are the main effects of excessive protein deposition on the surface of biomaterials (50). Several strategies have been developed to integrate stealth properties into the surface of biomaterials that prevent protein deposition. Highly hydrophilic water-binding molecules, such as hydrophilic polysaccharides (e.g., dextran, heparin, polyacrylates, phosphorylcholine, polyethylene glycol) have been used to cover the inert blood-contacting surface, as it is well-described that the increased surface wetness is associated with reduced protein adsorption (51). In contrast, superhydrophobic micro-structured surfaces with specific geometry have been also applied to prevent highly soluble protein molecules from penetrating into the cavities of the nanostructure (52).

While numerous strategies have been focused on blocking the surface-protein interplay and initiating the blood coagulation cascade, alternative strategies aim to develop hemocompatible CV implants by promoting the endothelialization of the inert surface. Since the 1980s, the two main strategies for forming a healthy and functional endothelium on the blood-contacting surfaces of CV implants have been in vitro and in vivo endothelialization (53). For in vitro endothelialization, the three basic steps are: (i) EC isolation after vascularized tissue harvesting (e.g., saphenous vein or umbilical cord), (ii) in vitro cell expansion, and (iii) cell seeding on CV implants before implantation. In vivo endothelialization can be achieved by EC migration from the intact endothelium (transanastomotic ingrowth) or by adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs).

While the formation of an intact EC monolayer may enhance the hemocompatibility of CV implants due to the anticoagulant properties of an intact monolayer, it is of great importance to underscore that activated endothelium due to inflammatory signals or mechanical injury, even in fully confluent monolayers, procoagulant and inflammatory properties can occur, which must be avoided in any endothelialization strategy (39). In this direction, a growing number of tissue engineering groups target to modulate complex pathways of plasmatic coagulation and inflammation strongly associated with EC activation via: (i) inactivation of adenosine diphosphate, GPIIb/IIIA, or VWF-dependent platelet adhesion, (ii) upregulation of anti-coagulant factors such as thrombomodulin, activated protein C, tissue factor protein inhibitor, heparin (iii) downregulation of pro-coagulant factors such as thrombin, Factor Xa, (iv) direct activation of fibrinolytic pathways based on tissue type plasminogen activator, urokinase, streptokinase and active plasmin immobilization, or (v) immobilization of immunosuppressive drugs such as everolimus, tacrolimus, and paclitaxel. (54).

Parallel, alternative experimental studies modify biological properties of CV biomaterials trying to mimic the biomechanical and biochemical native environment of ECs in favor of tissue repair, regeneration and anti-apoptotic properties (14). This includes, for example, the coating or incorporation of biomaterials with various biomolecules (e.g., NO donors) as well as growth factors [e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)]. These strategies have already been evaluated by several in vitro and animal studies as well as human clinical trials which are further discussed below (Table 1) (14).

Endothelialization of cardiovascular stents

Over the last three decades, important steps toward the production of biocompatible vascular stents have been made. Since the first implantation of a bare metal stent in the mid-1980s, innovative stent technologies have contributed to the development of drug eluting stents (DESs), which hinder excessive proliferation of smooth muscle cells and prevent intima hyperplasia through the controlled release of cytostatic drugs (4). Indeed, according to numerous large-scale clinical trials, DESs significantly reduced the risk of gradual re-narrowing of the stented segment (in stent restenosis) that occurs mostly between 3 and 12 months after coronary intervention (55, 56). However, anti-proliferative agents also delay the formation of an endothelial monolayer across the stent surface and consequently increase the risk of late (after 1 month) and very late (after 1 year) stent thrombosis (5). Therefore, in addition to the gradual drug release from implants within the first 4–6 weeks, alternative surface biofunctionalization approaches were developed (57). In 2003, the first-in-man implantation of an EPC capture stent was reported. These stents attract circulating EPCs with a CD34-positive antibody-coated surface. While phase I clinical studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of these stents (58), data from the multi-center TRIAS HR (TRI-stent adjudication study-high risk of restenosis) clinical trial showed that EPC-capturing stents are inferior to established DESs (59). Based on these results, a biofunctionalized DES known as the COMBO stent was developed that aimed to combine the pro-endothelialization property of EPC capture technology with the abluminal elution of the anti-proliferating agent sirolimus (58). In the first human study comparing COMBO stents to paclitaxel-coated DESs, a lower rate of thrombosis was observed (60). This led the group of Caligiuri to study the role of a soluble synthetic peptide (P8RI) that acts as a CD31 agonist and increases EC adhesion, showing accelerated endothelialization upon transplantation in the swine model of female farm pigs (61).

In recent years, alternative surface biofunctionalization approaches have been also developed. In a small animal study (rabbit model), mussel-inspired dopamine-Cu II-coated metal stents improved in situ NO generation and decreased the risk of stent thrombosis and restenosis (62). In parallel, in 2013, the research group of Karjalainen presented the 5-year clinical outcome of the randomized control study TITAX-AMI with a total of 425 patients. Interestingly, bioactive stents coated with titanium-NO achieved greater reductions in serious cardiovascular adverse events compared to paclitaxel-eluting stents (63). In addition, in a small scale animal study (swine model), Chang et al. reported a significant pro-endothelialization effect of coronary stents seeded with vascular endothelial growth factor-secreting mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) (64). Large scale animal and clinical studies are needed to further investigate these endothelialization strategies.

Endothelialization of vascular grafts

In 1954, Michael DeBakey reported the first successful distal aortic aneurysm resection and replacement in humans using a synthetic vascular graft of polyethylene terephthalate (39). Since then, large-diameter grafts made of synthetic, non-biodegradable materials have been extensively studied (65, 66). These materials have been shown to exhibit suitable mechanical properties and increased long-term durability in aortoiliac regions and other large arteries with diameters greater than 6 mm where high velocity blood flow and increased wall shear stress are encountered. However, their implementation in vessels with smaller diameters of less than 6 mm showed a significant risk of intima hyperplasia and occlusive stenosis (7). It is already known that synthetic materials are associated with high protein adsorption, which contributes to foreign body reaction and thrombus formation (67). In addition, the lack of integrin binding sites prevents attachment of circulating EPCs or expansion of adjacent cell populations such as ECs, thereby inhibiting endothelialization (68).

In the mid-1980s, Weinberg and Bell started developing TEVGs based on natural ECM components such as collagen (69). Increased biocompatibility, lower toxicity, as well as enhanced EC adhesion and proliferation were observed in small animal studies (69–72). However, the poor mechanical properties of natural polymers under the hemodynamic forces of arterial blood flow shifted the focus to the development of synthetic biodegradable polymers (e.g., polycal-prolactone, polylactic acid) (73, 74). Biodegradable polymers often act as a temporary scaffold of a blood vessel and showed promising results in many animal studies (75, 76). The group of Shin’oka published in 1998 the first attempt of TEVGs made of synthetic biodegradable materials pre-cultured in vitro with autologous EC as pulmonary artery autografts in sheep (74). The same group later reported the first use of TEVGs as pulmonary artery replacement after in vitro culture with autologous bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells in a long-term study examining 25 pediatric patients with single ventricular physiology (77, 78). Even after 7 and 11 years of follow-up, no evidence of aneurysm formation, graft rupture, graft infection, or ectopic calcification was observed. The main reason for graft failure, which occurred in a small number of patients, was graft stenosis (78, 79). These studies demonstrated for the first time that endothelialization of TEVGs is possible after implantation in the high-flow, low-pressure system of the human pulmonary artery. Whether this success can also be expected under high-pressure arterial flow in small diameter arteries still needs to be investigated. In this context, Hermann et al. presented long-term results of 12 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery in 2019. Intriguingly, in de-endothelialized allograft saphenous veins seeded with autologous endothelial cells in vitro, graft patency was detected up to 32 months after surgery. Immunohistochemistry after death suggested that monocyte activation may lead to vessel remodeling with thickening of the vessel wall (80).

To better understand the importance of EC monolayer predisposition to the specific hemodynamical environment of small and medium diameter arteries, the research group of Niklason and Langer developed a novel bioreactor system for testing TEVGs. The bioreactor is capable of using biomimetic mechanical stimulation applying biaxial (circumferential and axial) stretching (81). First, cells seeded on the polymer scaffold produce the vessel structure according to characteristics of the native ECM during bioreactor culture. In a second step, a decellularization process removes all cells, leaving only their ECMs, onto which autologous ECs can then be seeded in vitro or in vivo, providing a ready-to-use graft solution with promising results in animal studies (82, 83). These recent achievements are expected to lead to pilot studies in humans aimed at testing the efficacy of human acellular grafts used, for instance, as arteriovenous fistulas for vascular access in patients with end-stage renal disease (84). This graft design has great potential for clinical utility but remains to be evaluated in a larger number of patients and other sites of the human circulatory system. Recently, Hermann et al. reported the first data from a small human study in which allograft saphenous veins were harvested from organ donors, cryopreserved, deendothelialized, and then seeded with autologous ECs prior to implantation in 12 patients. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of ECs and monocytes as well as graft patency detected up to 32 months after surgery (80). These observations highlight the importance of the ECM and natural polymer components as a promising surface for any endothelialization procedure. This motivated tissue engineering groups to focus on the development of biofunctionalized hybrid grafts with the aim to mimic the biological properties of an endothelial monolayer. In detail, coating of synthetic polymer scaffolds with natural polymers has been studied extensively to improve biocompatibility and cell adhesion (85, 86). Hu et al. investigated hybrid grafts with poly (lactide-co-epsilon-caprolactone) (PLCL), collagen, and elastin loaded with heparin and VEGF in a short-term animal study (rabbit model, follow-up of 28 days), which showed increased cell adhesion and a high EC proliferation rate (87). Similarly, Wang et al. reported enhanced vascular regeneration and inhibition of intimal hyperplasia and vascular calcification after implantation of bio-hybrid vascular grafts with local NO delivery in both rabbit and mouse models (88). In another large animal study (sheep model), an acellular tissue engineered vessel based on small intestinal submucosa functionalized with heparin and VEGF demonstrated impressive mechanical properties with concomitant successful endothelialization (89).

In conclusion, synthetic or natural non-biodegradable materials are already associated with poor clinical results due to the high risk of intima hyperplasia and occlusive stenosis or inferior mechanical properties. Since synthetic biodegradable polymers have shown encouraging results, especially in small pediatric studies, many researches are now focusing on the development of biofunctionalized hybrid grafts with biomimetic properties.

Endothelialization of heart valves

Most commercial bioprosthetic heart valves are manufactured using glutaraldehyde-fixed xenogeneic materials, which offer an improved hemodynamic profile and reduced thrombogenicity compared to mechanical valves, thereby reducing the need for anticoagulation therapy. However, glutaraldehyde treatment does not prevent a complete antigenicity of bioprosthetic valves, contributing to a chronic immunologic response associated with calcification, progressive degeneration, and structural valve failure within 10–15 years (90). The formation of a long-living EC monolayer on the valve surface prior to implantation could minimize the risk of thrombus formation and promote tissue regeneration. It is already known that spontaneous endothelialization occurs after implantation of bioprosthetic valves, but only in a small number of patients. Additionally, if endothelialization occurs, it shows heterogenous patterns mainly close to the base of the leaflets (91). Moreover, endothelialization on surfaces pre-treated with glutaraldehyde is associated with significant cytotoxicity (92, 93). Based on in vitro and in vivo data, detoxification procedures such as treatment with L-glutamic acid promote the formation of endothelial monolayers on the surface of glutaraldehyde-preserved cardiac valves (93, 94). Therefore, from a translational perspective, less cytotoxic strategies that promote long-term EC proliferation are needed. The use of non-glutaraldehyde reagents, the application of biodegradable hydrogels, crosslinking with drug-loaded nanoparticle, the use of RGD peptides, and decellularization techniques are all tissue engineering strategies that have been developed to modify the surface of heart valves (95–101). Biomimetic acellular ECM-based TEHVs are manufactured from a polymer composite (PGA/P4HB) and an in vitro grown ECM, which are subsequently decellularized leaving a cell-free construct. Preclinical studies of such biomimetic valves have demonstrated their ability to undergo remodeling and recellularization, including endothelialization (102–109). Biofunctionalization of decellularized scaffolds with antibodies (e.g., CD133) to attract and capture circulating EPCs was also performed, displaying rapid in situ endothelialization within the first month after implantation (110, 111).

Recent clinical trials that tested human-derived pulmonary and aortic homografts showed excellent results. In detail, both the ARISE and the ESPOIR trials recently posted short term outcomes on their respective trials showing excellent outcomes for decellularized homografts. Especially the ESPOIR trial demonstrated the superiority of these grafts compared to traditional cryopreserved homografts or jugular vein conduits (112, 113). TEHVs have mostly been used as pediatric pulmonary valve replacements or as part of the Ross procedure, in which a diseased aortic valve is replaced with the patient’s own pulmonary valve (114, 115). A study of two pediatric patients implanted with decellularized pulmonary allografts showed that pre-seeding with autologous EPCs is a feasible and safe method (111). In addition, a Ross procedure study of 23 patients confirmed previous results supporting the hypothesis that heart valve decellularization and seeding with autologous vascular ECs may minimize tissue degeneration and improve valve durability (116). In a larger pulmonary valve replacement study, 38 patients were followed up to 5 years after acellular graft implantation and showed improved freedom from explanation, low gradients in echocardiographic follow-up, and adaptive growth (115). Interestingly, histological valve examination in one patient who died from non-valve related reasons revealed partial in vivo repopulation of the decellularized graft with autologous cells. Decellularized aortic valve allografts also appeared to be a promising alternative for aortic valve replacement.

Additionally, a variety of other materials and cell source combinations are considered for heart valve tissue engineering and have been used primarily in sheep models with varying degrees of success (117–124). Due to their versatility in mechanical, chemical and geometrical properties, synthetic bioresorbable polymers are also currently under investigation as potential starting materials for TEHV applications (125, 126). The functionality and remodeling potential of such bioresorbable polymers have been studied in several large animal models (125–128), also in combination with one-step preseeding procedures using autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells (129–133).

Endothelialization of ventricular assist devices

Despite major technological advances, the risk of thromboembolic events on artificial surfaces that are in contact with blood limits the functionality of VADs. Various approaches have been proposed to accelerate endothelialization and thus improve VAD hemocompatibility. Texture modifications such as sintered titanium surfaces, different surface coatings (e.g., titanium nitride and heparin) and pre-seeding with engineered cells (e.g., fibroblasts) were investigated (134–136). In a small clinical study in 1987, Kurt and colleagues demonstrated how a texture modification at the luminal interface of HeartMate XVE supports endothelium formation. Since then, numerous research groups have developed innovative VADs with textured inflow cannulas (e.g., Jarvik 2000 Heart Mate II and HeartMate III) associated with low rates of apical thrombus formation and thromboembolic events (Table 1) (137–140).

However, endothelialization of the whole luminal VAD surface is very challenging, mainly due to the complex design and hemodynamic environment. To overcome these hurdles, Xi et al. recently developed a novel patterning method, harnessing the condensation and evaporation of water droplets on a curing liquid elastomer, aiming to ensure the maintenance of a protective autologous endothelium even on complex non-planar surfaces of CV implants (141). In addition, most research groups today focus on improving the physical characteristics of biomaterials such as the surface topography. Research in this field underscores the significant role of biomechanical cues generated throughout endothelialization and proposes innovative strategies to accelerate endothelialization under normal laminar flow conditions with physiological wall shear stress (WSS), or even very high supraphysiological WSS levels.

Incorporation of biomechanical cues to enhance endothelialization

As previously described, several research groups attempted to increase the hemocompatibility of CV implants by developing biomimetic surfaces. Biological tissues in the body have a variety of physical characteristics (e.g., wetness and stiffness) as well as surface morphological features such as fibers, pores, and pits (roughness) which regulate cell behavior. For example, ECs tend to be rounder and less distributed on soft surfaces than on stiff surfaces (156). Increased pore size promotes rapid endothelialization of TEVGs, which affects not only EC adhesion, but more importantly transmural endothelialization (157). Moreover, a growing body of literature underscores that the implementation of micrometer or nanoscale surface modifications on known biomaterials enhance surface roughness and, as a result, the endothelialization of CV implants (20, 158–160). Physiologically, the formation of an EC monolayer in the native blood vessel wall requires an intact EC-EBM interplay to promote cell adhesion, cell elongation, migration and proliferation. The EC-EBM interplay starts with the formation of focal contacts. The ECs use these anchors to sense the substrate (mechanosensation) and generate a regulatory signal that is transmitted from the cytoskeleton to the nucleus (mechanotransduction) to optimize the cells’ adaptation to the surface, a phenomenon known as contact guidance (161).

Topography engineering approaches are aiming at mimicking biomechanical signals originating from the EC-EBM-ECM interplay and directing them toward accelerating endothelialization of the CV implant surface. In a systematic screening of various micro-structured substrates, Kukumberg et al. demonstrated that the surface topography either promotes or inhibits cell adhesion and cell proliferation (162). In detail, isotropic topographies such as pillars or wells resulted in lower cell density and cell proliferation compared to anisotropic topographies such as gratings. In another study by Ding et al., microgrooves on coronary stent lumen surfaces promoted EC migration and proliferation, which has also been confirmed by several research groups in the past (163–165). It was also found that ECs cultivated under physiological WSS on electrospun scaffolds are more adherent with fully aligned nanofibers than with random or semi-aligned scaffold topography (166). This observation supports the hypothesis that surface engineering of electrospun scaffolds used for CV implants may promote endothelialization and improve hemocompatibility of TEVGs or TEHVs. Nevertheless, it is still not clear how various physical properties of anisotropic features such as depth or height affect EC performance. In this direction, Potthoff et al. studied EC adhesion and migration on gratings with different dimensions under laminar flow conditions (160). As mammalian cells do not sense grooves shallower than 50 nm, gratings from 100 to 1,000 nm were examined. According to the published data, the basement membrane only contacts the top of the deep gratings (800 nm or more) and the cell membrane bridges over grooves. This led to an increase in focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activity, which ultimately contributed to improved migratory ability. Previous studies under static conditions confirmed these findings (167). Conversely, on shallow gratings (100–400 nm), the cell basement membrane interacts with both the top of the ridges and the bottom of the grooves. This led to a maturation of the FA complex and an increase in cell-surface adhesion (160). While most previous studies have focused almost exclusively on investigating the EC properties under static conditions or laminar flow with physiological WSS, Robotti et al. further investigated how 1,000 nm grids contribute to endothelialization by using a custom-designed flow bioreactor capable of reproducing supraphysiological WSS values of up to 10 Pa (168). Compared to flat surfaces, the gratings have been shown to improve monolayer integrity and support maturation of intercellular AJs, even under a WSS of 10 Pa. This data suggests that in ECs cultivated on deep gratings with 1,000 nm, FAK activation can acquire an actomyosin contractility-based pro-migratory profile that supports adhesion under flow conditions. This could potentially even promote the stability of the EC monolayer in the complex VAD hemodynamic environment in which supraphysiological WSS occurs (169). Recently, Ferrari et al. tested endothelialization on a novel hybrid membrane VAD in vivo (ovine animal model) and showed that a hexagonal honeycomb topography can support the generation and maintenance of a fully connected and functional endothelium (170).

While previous studies mainly focus on analyzing EC performance during endothelialization in terms of adhesion, intercellular connectivity and migratory ability, other researchers are investigating the topographical influence on factors important for EC monolayer maintenance such as proliferative ability, apoptosis, inactivation of blood coagulation and thrombus formation as well as EC regeneration. For example, Bachman et al. introduced a surface topography comprising hexagonal honeycomb shelters. EC monolayers cultivated on this topography retained their monolayer integrity even under supraphysiological loads. Intriguingly, this topography also enhanced anti-apoptotic, pro-survival and proliferative signaling pathways (171). In another experimental study on human vascular endothelial cells, different sized micro-structured surfaces with parallel micro-stripes improved NO, PGI2, TFPI, E-selectin expression, and reduced VWF secretion. Moreover, the platelet adhesion test and the whole blood clotting time test underscored the increasing anticoagulation property of elongated ECs (172). Consistent with a previous study, Huang et al. demonstrated that micropatterned and aligned nanofibrillar substrates promoted an atheroresistant EC phenotype by downregulating the expression of monocyte and platelet adhesion proteins and chemokines, supporting the hypothesis that micropatterned ECs have a unique transcriptional signature (173).

In summary, substrate stiffness, surface geometry as well as topography may play a significant role in the early phase of endothelialization by influencing adhesion, flow-oriented cell shape elongation and migration, as well as influencing the proliferative and regenerative capacity of ECs in the long-term phase (Figure 1). In vivo experiments as well as large-scale clinical trials are needed to further evaluate the survival of the endothelium and its long-term adaptation to biomimetic surfaces designed for the development of fully biocompatible CV implants.

Discussion

Passing through the “valley of death”

Despite the success in preclinical translational research, tissue engineered products are still lacking in the clinical market (174). Currently, only 12 tissue engineering products obtained market authorization for further commercialization (175). In particular, CV implants with engineered biomimetic surfaces differ dramatically from any other biotechnological or traditional medical product. Most regulatory agencies, such as the European Medicines Agency or the Food and Drug Administration allocate CV implants to a product class with the highest safety risk classification. In addition to the safety-related engineering and physical aspects of the product, the combination with living tissue creates an additional regulatory burden. On the research and development level, it requires close cooperation between engineers, biomedical researchers and physicians. In addition to the safety and physical aspects of the product, the combination with living tissue creates an additional regulatory burden. At the research and development level, close cooperation is required between engineers, biomedical researchers and physicians. In addition, most CV implant modifications are based on existing designs, which would also require close cooperation with industry and patent holders, another major obstacle to translation and commercialization. This also explains why most bioengineered products to date are implantable valves and stents. The overall increasing demand for such products, as well as the lower “engineering” complexity, makes them easier targets for innovation and the promotion of new designs compared to more complex devices such as VADs.

Ex vivo or in vivo endothelialization approach? The one-billion-dollar question

Endothelialization on biomaterial surfaces was originally developed by ex vivo cell seeding. T he fate of any ex vivo endothelialization strategy depends on the following factors: seeding efficiency, seeding technique and cell source (176). Seeding efficiency is mainly determined by patient characteristics (e.g., presence of cardiovascular risk factors), culture characteristics such as composition of culture media (e.g., concentration of amino acids and growth factors), as well as stimuli applied to the EC surface during in vitro expansion. In general, cultivation under the impact of shear stress or even circumferential dynamic forces is associated with enhanced EC performance during endothelialization (81). With regard to the seeding technique, a two-stage seeding approach has dominated in recent years. In the first step, isolated ECs are expanded in vitro for up to 4 weeks and in the second step, after reaching a sufficient cell number, scaffold seeding follows (177). While this approach is theoretically attractive, it also poses important regulatory issues. One the one hand, the development of good manufacturing practice-compatible standard operating procedures for harvesting and expansion of cells under ideally xeno-free culture conditions is more than necessary but an extremely time-consuming process. On the other, clean room conditions are required, which is associated with high production costs. Given the complexity of some CV devices such as VADs, seeding and maintaining an endothelial monolayer from production to implantation seems too costly and impractical. However, incorporating modifications to the luminal surfaces of CV implants may be a promising endothelialization strategy. On the one hand, physical modification of biomaterials, for example through imprintable topographies, is simple, inexpensive, safe and time-efficient as it would only add one production step during assembly of the device. However, the rapid degradation of coating biomaterials may lead to CV implant failure in the long term. On the other hand, chemical modification methods better reflect the conditions in the human body and are also characterized by a higher durability. However, they are significantly less cost-effective and very complex (178).

Struggling to jump on the biomimetic bandwagon

The fact that cell behavior can be changed by modulating the physical and/or biochemical properties of their respective surface may open a path to a faster and less expansive regulatory road to improve endothelialization and hence hemocompatibility of CV implants. Transanastomotic endothelialization was one of the first endothelialization mechanisms identified, but it only occurs in a small area approximately 2 cm distal to the anastomosis. Furthermore, spontaneous endothelialization in vivo from circulating EPCs at sites of vascular ischemia and endothelial injury has been reported in animal model studies (179). However, EPCs are mainly located in the bone marrow and the number of circulating EPCs that would adhere, migrate and proliferate to form an endothelium monolayer at sites where neovascularization occurs is very limited (24). Surface modification may promote attachment, migration as well as differentiation of circulating EPCs. However, EPCs do not refer to a single cell population with a specific identity. Many researchers suggest that bone and non-bone marrow-derived cell populations can be differentiated into ECs and therefore is difficult to define, characterize and identify the “true” EPCs and their primary role in endothelial regeneration (180). Recently, several studies also supported the hypothesis that age-related vascular inflammatory disease and oxidative stress may lead to significant EPC dysfunction and EPC pool depletion, impeding the potential of endothelialization in elderly CV patients who are the main recipients of CV implants (181). Novel approaches aim to combine more than one strategy, for example by expanding EPC populations in vitro for vascular or coronary stent tissue engineering applications (182, 183).

In summary, despite encouraging in vivo data, ex vivo endothelialization of CV implants is associated with a significant regulatory and hence financial burden. This makes a successful bench-to-bedside-to-market translation highly challenging. Surface modifications of CV implants such as imprintable topographies may have a higher chance of bridging this so-called valley of death.

Conclusion

Technological advances have revolutionized the design, development, and manufacturing of advanced implantable CV devices. However, due to insufficient hemocompatibility, they are still associated with devastating complications. Tissue engineering is an emerging field in contemporary health sciences aimed to optimize CV implants. This scope can be achieved through physical or biochemical surface modification of CV implants aimed to mimicking the physiological endothelial tissue function. The biochemical functionalization described above is difficult from economic and regulatory aspects. Microengineering of CV surface topography can be a promising cost-effective strategy.

Author contributions

VE: first draft and literature research. CG: first draft. EZ and HH: literature research. SN and ME: editing. SM: literature research and editing. TN-S: first draft and editing. All authors contributed to the article and approved the submitted version.

Acknowledgments

This work is part of the Zurich Heart project under the umbrella of University Medicine Zurich and was supported by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). TN-S is a scholar in the BIH Charité Clinician Scientist Program funded by the Charité–Universitátsmedizin Berlin and the Berlin Institute of Health. The Program was initiated and led by Duska Dragun to enable resident physicians to pursue a career in academic medicine. Dragun passed away on December 28, 2020. This publication is dedicated to her memory as a mentor, role model, and stellar scientist. This study was also supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation, Grant SNF (205321_188828) (CG). We thank the Cleanroom Operations Team of the Binnig and Rohrer Nanotechnology Center (BRNC) for their help and support.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Publisher’s note

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References