Silk fibroin-based woven endovascular prosthesis with heparin surface modification

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Vascular Surgery
• Textile Engineering

Background:

• Endovascular prostheses are crucial for vascular repair, but patency remains a challenge.
• Silk fibroin (SF) offers biocompatibility, but requires modification for enhanced functionality.
• Existing prostheses often lack optimal mechanical strength and anticoagulant properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel silk fibroin-based endovascular prosthesis (SFEPs) with improved patency.
• To enhance the anticoagulant properties and mechanical strength of the SFEPs.
• To evaluate the suitability of SFEPs for blood vessel repair applications.

Main Methods:

• SFEPs were fabricated using silk fibroin and polyester filaments via a weaving technique.
• Production parameters were optimized using orthogonal design methods.
• The inner surface was modified with polyethylenimine (PEI) and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for anticoagulation.
• Surface morphology, mechanical properties, and blood compatibility were assessed.

Main Results:

• Modified SFEPs exhibited a thickness below 0.085 mm and low water permeability.
• Diametral tensile strength reached 61.6 MPa and burst strength was 23.7 MPa.
• LMWH immobilization was confirmed, and heparin modification improved blood compatibility.

Conclusions:

• The novel SFEPs demonstrate promising potential for blood vessel repair.
• The prosthesis combines minimal thickness with superior mechanical strength and biocompatibility.
• This development addresses key limitations in current endovascular repair technologies.