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Dual-acting biofunctionalised scaffolds for applications in regenerative medicine
Camilo Chaves1,2,3, Chuanyu Gao1, Jerome Hunckler1
1Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK.
Journal of Materials Science. Materials in Medicine
|January 22, 2017
Summary
This study developed a dual-acting, biofunctionalized scaffold for vascular grafts, demonstrating successful in-vivo patency and integration. The scaffold shows promise for tissue engineering applications requiring micro-porous, impermeable materials.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Ultra-small diameter vascular grafts are crucial for replacing diseased or damaged vessels.
- Current limitations include handling, availability, graft patency, cellular function replacement, and mechanical properties.
- Biofunctionalized scaffolds offer potential solutions for enhanced graft performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and evaluate a dual-acting, biofunctionalized scaffold for vascular graft applications.
- To assess the scaffold's haemocompatibility, endothelialisation, integration, and mechanical properties.
- To explore the scaffold's broader tissue engineering potential.
Main Methods:
- Solvent casting method used for scaffold fabrication with incorporated bioactive molecules.
- In-vivo testing in the abdominal aorta of Wistar rats (n=10).
- Clinical and echographic evaluation of graft patency; assessment of explants for haemocompatibility and endothelialisation; subcutaneous and intraperitoneal grafting for integration, inflammation, and angiogenesis studies; interaction studies with human dermal fibroblasts and bronchial epithelial cells; physicochemical property evaluation.
Main Results:
- Confirmed microsurgical suturability and graft patency of the functionalized scaffolds in-vivo.
- Demonstrated haemocompatibility and endothelialisation on explants.
- Showed favorable integration, minimal inflammation, and positive angiogenesis in subcutaneous and intraperitoneal models.
- Verified mechanical strength and permeability, suitable for micro-porous, impermeable applications.
- Evaluated successful interactions with human dermal fibroblasts and bronchial epithelial cells.
Conclusions:
- The dual-acting biofunctionalized scaffold exhibits promising potential for vascular reconstruction.
- The scaffold's properties support its use in diverse tissue engineering applications requiring specific porosity and impermeability.
- This scaffold represents a significant advancement in off-the-shelf solutions for vessel replacement.
