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Wet Chemistry and Peptide Immobilization on Polytetrafluoroethylene for Improved Cell-adhesion
Published on: August 15, 2016
Citric acid-based elastomers provide a biocompatible interface for vascular grafts
Melina R Kibbe1, Janet Martinez, Daniel A Popowich
1Division of Vascular Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA. mkibbe@nmh.org
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part A
|July 2, 2009
Summary
Modified expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) vascular grafts with a biodegradable elastomer show promising mid-term patency. This surface modification with poly(1,8 octanediol citrate) (POC) is biocompatible and supports endothelial cell growth.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Vascular Surgery
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Prosthetic vascular bypass grafts often have limited long-term patency.
- Improving graft performance requires innovative biomaterial surface modifications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the mid-term performance of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) vascular grafts modified with a citric acid-based biodegradable elastomer, poly(1,8 octanediol citrate) (POC).
- To assess the biocompatibility and vascular integration of POC-modified ePTFE grafts.
Main Methods:
- ePTFE grafts were modified with a mechanical coating of POC using a spin-shearing method.
- Grafts were implanted as end-to-side bypass grafts in porcine carotid arteries.
- Patency and stenosis were assessed using duplex ultrasonography, magnetic resonance angiography, and digital subtraction contrast angiography.
- Biocompatibility, neointimal hyperplasia, and inflammatory cell infiltration were evaluated at 4 weeks.
- Scanning electron microscopy confirmed POC presence.
Main Results:
- All POC-ePTFE grafts demonstrated patency with no significant stenoses at mid-term follow-up.
- POC-ePTFE grafts exhibited biocompatibility, comparable neointimal hyperplasia, and leukocyte infiltration to control ePTFE grafts.
- Endothelial cell growth was supported by the POC surface.
- POC coating was confirmed on ePTFE grafts at 4 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Surface modification of ePTFE grafts with POC results in a biocompatible material.
- POC modification does not induce adverse inflammatory effects in the vasculature.
- These findings provide a foundation for developing drug-eluting vascular grafts.

