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Elastin-coated biodegradable photopolymer scaffolds for tissue engineering applications
Rossella Barenghi1, Szabolcs Beke2, Ilaria Romano2
1National Research Council of Italy (CNR), IEIIT Institute, Via De Marini 6, 16149 Genova, Italy.
Biomed Research International
|November 19, 2014
Summary
New polypropylene fumarate (PPF) vascular scaffolds were functionalized with elastin. This biomimetic coating enhanced cell adhesion and proliferation, addressing limitations of current non-degradable stents.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Vascular Surgery
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Non-biodegradable vascular stents cause thrombosis and neointimal hyperplasia.
- Existing resorbable polymers lack sufficient mechanical properties and biocompatibility.
- Polypropylene fumarate (PPF) offers biodegradability and good mechanical properties but is biologically inert.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a biomimetic functionalization process for PPF scaffolds.
- To improve cell-polymer interactions for enhanced vascular prosthesis applications.
- To evaluate the bioactivity and biocompatibility of functionalized PPF scaffolds.
Main Methods:
- Porous PPF-based scaffolds were fabricated using deep-UV photocuring.
- Scaffolds were coated with elastin to create a biomimetic surface.
- Functionalized scaffolds underwent characterization and in vitro cell testing with 3T3 and HUVEC cell lines.
Main Results:
- A stable elastin-polymer bond was confirmed on the PPF scaffolds.
- Functionalized scaffolds demonstrated significantly enhanced cell adhesion.
- Improved cell proliferation was observed on the elastin-coated PPF scaffolds.
Conclusions:
- Biomimetic functionalization with elastin can overcome the inertness of PPF.
- Elastin-coated PPF scaffolds show promise for next-generation vascular prostheses.
- This approach enhances cellular interaction, crucial for vascular applications.
