On 31 October, the Institutional Evaluation and Acceptance Council convened at VNUHCM-University of Science (HCMUS) to review the results of the national-level applied research and technology development project on ‘Research into Developing Small-Diameter Vascular Grafts using a Bioreactor System for Application in Vascular Grafting,’ led by Project Leader Assoc. Prof. Trần Lê Bảo Hà – HCMUS lecturer.

This project falls under the Programme for Fundamental Science Development in Chemistry, Life Sciences, Earth Sciences, and Marine Sciences for the 2017–2025 period (Programme 562), primarily implemented by HCMUS.

During the implementation process, the research team achieved significant results. The project identified porcine carotid arteries and human umbilical arteries as two potential raw materials for fabricating small-diameter vascular grafts, simultaneously optimising the bioreactor system to regenerate vascular cells under near-physiological conditions. By combining physical and chemical agents in the decellularisation process, the team successfully created suitable acellular vascular scaffolds for mechanical reinforcement. Surface treatment steps using heparin bonding significantly improved anti-coagulation capability and cell adhesion. Notably, the project established a standard evaluation table for vascular grafts comprising 18 criteria. Testing on animal models showed that the grafts maintained stable blood flow and did not form thrombi after three months, confirming the feasibility and potential application of this research direction.

Beyond the specialised results, the project yielded substantial outcomes in scientific publications and training: four international SCIE articles and four domestic articles were published; three Type I products, two procedures, and two reports (Type II products) were completed; the project fully trained three Master’s students and supported two PhD research students (Type III products); and one intellectual property registration application was formally accepted.

The Institutional Evaluation and Acceptance Council concluded that the project fully completed all contents and products as specified in the proposal. The quality and quantity of registered products, as well as the applicability, met the requirements, with the publication and postgraduate training results being rated excellent. The Council unanimously recommended that the research team continue to finalise the documentation and report for submission for evaluation and acceptance at the higher, national level in the near future. This marks an important step forward in the study of biomaterials for regenerative medicine, contributing to affirming the scientific and technological capacity of HCMUS in the interdisciplinary research field spanning biology, materials science, and biomedical technology.