In vitro study of human vascular endothelial cell function on materials with various surface roughness

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Biodegradable polymer scaffolds with endothelialized surfaces are promising for small-diameter blood vessel replacement.
• Understanding endothelial cell interactions with polymer substrates is crucial for scaffold development.
• Surface roughness is a key factor influencing cell behavior on biomaterials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of surface roughness on human vascular endothelial cell behavior.
• To compare endothelial cell adhesion and proliferation on electrospun and solvent-cast poly(L-lactic acid) substrates.
• To inform the design of novel scaffolds for tissue-engineered vascular grafts.

Main Methods:

• Human vascular endothelial cells were cultured on poly(L-lactic acid) substrates fabricated using electrospinning and solvent casting.
• Substrates with varying surface roughness were prepared.
• Cell morphology, adhesion, and proliferation rates were quantitatively and qualitatively assessed.

Main Results:

• Endothelial cell function was significantly enhanced on smooth, solvent-cast poly(L-lactic acid) surfaces compared to rough, electrospun surfaces.
• Cell adhesion and proliferation rates differed based on substrate surface topography.
• Electrospun substrates were previously found to promote vascular smooth muscle cell behavior.

Conclusions:

• Smooth poly(L-lactic acid) surfaces fabricated by solvent casting are more conducive to endothelial cell function than rough electrospun surfaces.
• A combination of solvent casting and electrospinning techniques can be utilized to create unique 3D scaffolds.
• These scaffolds hold potential for the development of tissue-engineered small-diameter blood vessel replacements.