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Multifunctional silk-heparin biomaterials for vascular tissue engineering applications
F Philipp Seib1, Manuela Herklotz, Kelly A Burke
1Tufts University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA 02155, USA.
Biomaterials
|October 9, 2013
Summary
Modified silk exhibits low thrombogenicity and controlled vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release, making it promising for vascular applications. This biomaterial demonstrates good hemocompatibility, supporting endothelial cell growth and maintaining an anticoagulant state.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Vascular Engineering
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Silk's traditional use as sutures is expanding to advanced biomedical applications.
- Silk requires hemocompatibility refinement for vascular engineering.
- Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) can modify silk properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate LMWH-modified silk as a carrier for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
- To assess the hemocompatibility and thrombogenic response of heparinized silk.
- To determine the potential of modified silk for vascular applications.
Main Methods:
- Heparinization of silk to create a carrier for VEGF.
- Assessment of controlled VEGF release kinetics and bioactivity.
- Evaluation of silk hemocompatibility using a humanized whole blood model with endothelial cells.
Main Results:
- Heparinized silk demonstrated sustained VEGF release over 6 days.
- Released VEGF was bioactive, supporting human endothelial cell proliferation.
- Silk exhibited a low thrombogenic response, comparable to polytetrafluoroethylene.
- An initial inflammatory response was observed, but the endothelium remained quiescent and anticoagulant.
Conclusions:
- LMWH-modified silk effectively delivers bioactive VEGF, promoting endothelial cell growth.
- Heparinized silk shows excellent hemocompatibility and low thrombogenicity for vascular applications.
- Silk's potential for vascular engineering is supported by its controlled drug release and hemocompatibility profile.
