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Electrospun PET/PCL small diameter nanofibrous conduit for biomedical application
Maryam Rahmati Nejad1, Maryam Yousefzadeh1, Atefeh Solouk2
1Textile Engineering Department, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran 1591634311, Iran.
Summary
This study engineered artificial blood vessels using electrospun PET/PCL nanofibrous scaffolds. The PET/PCL (1:3) blend demonstrated mechanical properties similar to natural vessels, showing promise for vascular tissue engineering applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of global mortality.
- Tissue engineering offers a promising solution for replacing damaged tissues.
- Developing artificial vascular grafts requires scaffolds mimicking natural vessel properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and evaluate tubular nanofibrous scaffolds for vascular tissue engineering.
- To assess the mechanical properties of electrospun polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polycaprolactone (PCL) blends.
- To determine the suitability of these scaffolds as substrates for cell culture.
Main Methods:
- Electrospinning of biocompatible polymers (PET and PCL) at various blend ratios into tubular scaffolds (6 mm internal diameter).
- Comprehensive mechanical testing including tensile strength, modulus, compliance, bursting pressure, elastic recovery, and suture retention.
- In vitro cell culture assessment using MTT assay to confirm biocompatibility.
Main Results:
- The PET/PCL (1:3) blend exhibited mechanical properties closely resembling native vessels.
- Specific results for PET/PCL (1:3) included: longitudinal tensile strength 9.47 MPa, transverse tensile strength 6.38 MPa, longitudinal strain at break 205.88%, compliance 4.19%/100 mmHg, bursting pressure 6378.76 mmHg, and suture retention 287.73 gmf.
- Elastic recovery for the PET/PCL (1:3) scaffold was 60.21%, and MTT assay confirmed its suitability for cell culture.
Conclusions:
- The PET/PCL (1:3) nanofibrous scaffold is a potential candidate for artificial vessel applications.
- The scaffold's mechanical properties and biocompatibility support its use in vascular tissue engineering.
- Further research can explore its efficacy in vivo for treating cardiovascular defects.
