The present invention relates to the field of tissue engineering and the growth and cultivation of specialized tissues in vitro. More specifically, the present invention provides an endothelial cell culture device module, comprising a) at least one cell culture chamber, b) at least one starter cell culture chamber or tube, c) interconnected with at least one connection opening, wherein said at least one starter cell chamber and said at least connection opening are made of or are lined with bacterial microcrystalline cellulose (BMC), and wherein said at least one starter cell chamber is lined with endothelial cells, and wherein said connection openings are filled with a biocompatible materiel allowing growth factors, like VEGF, to diffuse through it, like collagen or ECM (extracellular material, e.g. Matrigel). The present invention further relates to a cell culture device, comprising said module, and uses of said module and device.
