Biomaterials for Vascular Reconstruction: Present Challenges and Future Perspectives

Decellularized vascular scaffolds represent a promising strategy in vascular tissue engineering because they aim to remove cellular and nuclear material while preserving the extracellular matrix (ECM) architecture, biochemical composition, and mechanical properties of native vessels. However, decellularization is inherently a balance between effective cell removal and preservation of matrix integrity, since physical, chemical, and enzymatic treatments can alter ECM ultrastructure, surface composition, and biological activity (Gilbert et al., 2006; Crapo et al., 2011). Although decellularized vascular matrices provide a biologically active scaffold that can support cell adhesion, remodeling, and tissue integration, their clinical performance remains limited by thrombosis, insufficient endothelialization, intimal hyperplasia, and long-term patency challenges (Moroni & Mirabella, 2014; Li Y. et al., 2023). This review summarizes traditional methods for vascular scaffold decellularization and discusses current evaluation criteria, including residual DNA removal, ECM preservation, mechanical competence, hemocompatibility, and endothelialization potential. Particular attention is given to emerging approaches such as non-thermal irreversible electroporation (NTIRE), which may assist cellular disruption while reducing chemical damage, and cold plasma functionalization, which may improve scaffold surface wettability, bioactivity, and cell–matrix interactions (Phillips et al., 2010; Lombardo et al., 2024). Finally, the review considers the future potential of combining electroporation-assisted decellularization with plasma-based surface functionalization to improve vascular scaffold preparation, luminal endothelialization, and bloodcontacting performance.