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Implantation of Electrospun Vascular Grafts with Optimized Structure in a Rat Model
Published on: June 27, 2018
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Electrospun vein grafts with high cell infiltration for vascular tissue engineering
Zhikai Tan1, Xiangkai Gao1, Tong Liu1
1College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China.
Materials Science & Engineering. C, Materials for Biological Applications
|September 10, 2017
Summary
Researchers developed a novel bilayer vascular graft using poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) fibers. This improved scaffold promotes cell growth and shows potential for arterial replacement in vascular tissue engineering.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Increasing demand for small-diameter vascular grafts (<6mm) for arterial replacement.
- Limitations of current grafts include inadequate porosity and poor cell infiltration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a bilayer fibrous vascular graft using poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL).
- To assess the biocompatibility and biological performance of the novel graft structure for vascular tissue engineering.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a bilayer PCL scaffold with aligned inner fibers and porous outer layer.
- In vivo experiments, molecular biology, and histology to evaluate biocompatibility.
- Comparison with randomly arranged fiber scaffolds.
Main Results:
- Bilayer scaffolds exhibited superior fiber alignment and higher porosity compared to conventional grafts.
- Enhanced cell proliferation, collagen deposition, and infiltration of smooth muscle and endothelial cells in vivo.
- Overcame limitations of inadequate porosity and poor cell infiltration.
Conclusions:
- The bilayer PCL vascular graft demonstrates significant potential for vascular tissue engineering and regeneration.
- The unique structure promotes cell infiltration and tissue ingrowth, addressing limitations of existing scaffolds.
