Toward “Green” Vessels: Characterization of Microstructure, Mechanics, and Endothelial Cell Interaction on Three Macro‐Tubular Plants for Vascular Tissue Engineering Applications

Abstract Vascular tissue engineering aims to create vessel models for in vitro research and develop vascular grafts for in vivo applications using tubular scaffolds. Natural scaffolds outperform synthetic ones due to their biocompatibility and natural microenvironment supporting cell growth. Given the importance of producing biocompatible tubular scaffolds through cost‐effective and uncomplicated processes, this study introduces nature‐derived tubular structures from three decellularized tubular plants (Water Spinach, Green Onion, and Water Horsetail) as novel alternatives. Microstructural characterization on the luminal surfaces of the plants reveals unique surface topography for each. Water Spinach is the most promising graft candidate in suturability tests besides presenting the highest elongation before rupture in tensile test. Assessment of human endothelial cells on the luminal surfaces of decellularized scaffolds shows higher expression of Ki‐67 protein and a consistent increase in cell number on water spinach and green onion scaffolds compared to tissue culture plate as a control. Focal adhesion‐related molecule Vinculin is expressed more than twice on all scaffolds compared to control, and confluent cell monolayers are formed on water spinach and green onion scaffolds, as confirmed by VE‐cadherin. This study proposes an innovative approach to use the natural structure of macro‐tubular plants for the preparation of vascular scaffolds.