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Published on: October 26, 2016
Novel nanofiber-based material for endovascular scaffolds
Rui Wang1, Nicole Levi-Polyanchenko, Michael Morykwas
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157; Virginia Tech - Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Science, Medical Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157.
Researchers developed a novel biomaterial for heart valve replacement by blending collagen, silk fibroin, and poly(glycerol-sebacate) (PGS). This new material shows promising mechanical properties, low degradation, and reduced blood clot formation, warranting further cardiovascular research.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cardiovascular Engineering
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Conventional collagen-based heart valves face challenges due to incomplete host tissue integration and graft material replacement.
- Degradation and thrombogenicity are critical factors limiting the efficacy of current endovascular scaffolds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize novel electrospun nanofibrous materials for endovascular scaffolds, specifically for heart valve replacement.
- To create a multifunctional biomaterial combining type I collagen, silk fibroin, and poly(glycerol-sebacate) (PGS).
Main Methods:
- Type I collagen was blended with silk fibroin and poly(glycerol-sebacate) (PGS) in various ratios.
- Electrospun nanofibrous materials were fabricated and characterized for mechanical properties (elastic moduli, tensile stress, strain).
- In vitro degradation and cellular interactions (endothelial cell adhesion, proliferation) were assessed. Platelet adhesion was compared to collagen-based materials.
Main Results:
- The optimal blend, PFC mats (4.5:4.5:1 collagen:fibroin:PGS ratio), exhibited mechanical properties similar to native heart valves (elastic moduli 2.3–5.0 MPa, tensile stresses 0.8–1.5 MPa, strains 30%–70%).
- PFC mats demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, with endothelial cells adhering, proliferating, and forming junctions.
- Significantly reduced platelet adhesion (220–290% less) was observed for PFC mats compared to collagen hydrogels and electrospun collagen mats.
- In vitro degradation rate was minimal at 0.01% per week.
Conclusions:
- The developed PFC material exhibits superior mechanical properties, low degradation rates, and reduced thrombogenic potential compared to existing collagen-based scaffolds.
- This multifunctional biomaterial shows significant promise for cardiovascular applications, particularly as a heart valve replacement.
- Further investigation into this advanced biomaterial for endovascular applications is strongly recommended.
