Advances in artificial blood vessels: Exploring materials, preparation, and functionality

• The latest advancements in materials and preparation techniques for artificial blood vessels are reviewed. • Functionalized modification strategies for artificial blood vessels are thoroughly discussed. • Significant current challenges and potential future research directions are proposed. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major global health challenge, which causes significant illness and death worldwide. These include a range of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease, and heart failure. Despite advances in medicine and healthcare delivery, CVD continues to have a serious impact on individuals, families, and the healthcare system. This review begins by delineating the merits and demerits of commonly employed synthetic and natural materials for artificial blood vessels. It delves into various techniques commonly employed in the fabrication of artificial blood vessels, encompassing traditional textile technologies, electrospinning, thermally induced phase separation, and 3D printing. The review critically analyzes the attributes of different preparation methodologies alongside the latest advancements in research. The review also outlines the requisite performance requirements for artificial blood vessels, which encompass robust mechanical properties, appropriate porosity, exceptional compatibility, and antibacterial attributes. It provides a succinct overview of ongoing efforts in vascular functionalization, particularly emphasizing thrombus mitigation, promotion of endothelialization, and enhancement of nitric oxide production. The review finally encapsulates the primary challenges confronting vascular grafts and prospective avenues for future research.