Bioengineered models of cardiovascular diseases

Age-associated cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) predominantly result from artery-related disorders such as atherosclerosis, stand as a leading causes of morbidity and mortality among the elderly population. Consequently, there is a growing interest in the development of clinically relevant bioengineered models of CVDs. Recent developments in bioengineering and material sciences have paved the way for the creation of intricate models that closely mimic the structure and surroundings of native cardiac tissues and blood vessels. These models can be utilized for basic research purposes and for identifying pharmaceutical interventions and facilitating drug discovery. The advancement of vessel-on-a-chip technologies and the development of bioengineered and humanized in vitro models of the cardiovascular system have the potential to revolutionize CVD disease modeling. These technologies offer pathophysiologically relevant models at a fraction of the cost and time required for traditional experimentation required in vivo. This progress signifies a significant progression in the field, transitioning from conventional 2D cell culture models to advanced 3D organoid and vessel-on-a-chip models. These innovative models are specifically designed to explore the complexities of vascular aging and stiffening, crucial factors in the development of cardiovascular diseases. This article summarizes the recent progress of various bioengineered in vitro platforms developed for investigating the pathophysiology of human cardiovascular system with more focus on advanced 3D vascular platforms.