Fibronectin binding to gelatin-impregnated Dacron (Gelseal) prostheses

Endothelial cell adherence to uncoated gelatin-impregnated Dacron (Gelseal) is poor but can be significantly improved by precoating with a suitable basement membrane such as fibronectin. To assess the suitability of fibronectin-coated Gelseal for endothelial cell seeding, fibronectin binding to Gelseal and its dissociation kinetics were investigated. Fibronectin binding was quantified by radiolabeling human fibronectin with iodine 125, concentrations of 10, 25, 50, 150, and 250 micrograms/ml being used to coat Gelseal at 30, 60, and 90 min of incubation. The amount of fibronectin bound was directly proportional to the concentration used and increased with time of incubation (p < 0.05). However, the percentage attachment decreased with increasing concentration (p < 0.001). The number of molecules bound per centimeter squared of graft was calculated. In the first 30 min, 75% of bound fibronectin was lost after exposure to a flow rate of 200 ml/min in a pulsatile artificial circulation; thereafter, the fibronectin-Gelseal bond was stable for up to 2 h.