the invention provides a molded valve leaflet containing a molded biopolymer having fibrils and cells within the molded biopolymer , wherein the fibrils of the molded biopolymer have commisure - to - commisure alignment . the invention also provides a valve equivalent containing a plurality of molded valve leaflets that are connected to a base , wherein the molded valve leaflets include a molded biopolymer having fibrils and cells within the molded biopolymer , wherein the fibrils of the molded biopolymer have commisure - to - commisure alignment .