Research Projects

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide, responsible for approximately 17.9 million deaths in 2024, with India contributing nearly 20% of this burden. Characterized by atherosclerotic plaque accumulation and thrombotic occlusion, CAD often leads to ischemia, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. While Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is the current gold standard, autologous grafts require invasive harvesting and are limited in availability, while allografts face immunogenic risks. Conventional synthetic grafts like ePTFE and Dacron, although mechanically robust, lack biofunctionality—especially in small-diameter (5 mm) applications—leading to thrombosis, intimal hyperplasia, and poor long-term patency. Addressing these clinical limitations, this project proposes the development of a next-generation, small-diameter vascular graft using Digital Light Processing (DLP)-based 3D printing of a novel hybrid photocurable ink. The engineered ink consists of polyvinyl alcohol methacrylate (PVAGMA), gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA), and polydopamine nanoparticles (PDANPs), designed to synergistically integrate mechanical strength, elasticity, and bioactivity. PVAGMA contributes hydrophilicity and elastic resilience, GelMA provides cell-adhesive motifs, and PDANPs enhance mechanical reinforcement while conferring antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-thrombogenic properties. Their catechol-rich chemistry also allows for post-printing conjugation of bioactive cues such as nitric oxide donors or RGD peptides to further support endothelialization and hemocompatibility. Moreover, an alkali post-treatment is employed to induce nanocrystalline domains, improving swelling resistance, toughness, shape fidelity, and suture retention—key parameters for successful vascular graft implantation. This project will comprehensively evaluate the physicochemical, mechanical, and rheological properties of the printed grafts, followed by in vitro assessments with HUVECs to verify cytocompatibility, adhesion, and endothelial network formation. Finally, in vivo implantation into the rabbit abdominal aorta will be conducted to examine graft performance, patency, and host response through histology and immunohistochemistry. The DLP-printed constructs aim to replicate native vessel architecture with high-resolution precision, enabling patient-specific customization and sterile, scalable manufacturing. Through the integration of advanced materials, bioprinting, and biofunctionalization, this research addresses the unmet clinical need for hemocompatible, pro-regenerative, and durable vascular grafts. The anticipated outcomes hold transformative potential for cardiovascular tissue engineering by overcoming the limitations of existing synthetic grafts and significantly improving long-term outcomes in vascular surgery.