Controlled NO-Release from 3D-Printed Small-Diameter Vascular Grafts Prevents Platelet Activation and Bacterial...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Vascular Surgery
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Small-diameter vascular grafts (SDVGs) often fail due to thrombogenicity and bacterial infections on blood-contacting surfaces.
• Developing effective strategies to mitigate these complications is crucial for improving graft functionality and patient survival.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer novel bactericidal and non-thrombogenic SDVGs using 3D-printing technology.
• To develop and optimize a controlled nitric oxide (NO) release coating for enhanced hemocompatibility and antimicrobial properties.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized S-Nitroso-N-acetyl-D-penicillamine (SNAP) as an NO donor.
• Fabricated composite matrices (PEG-SNAP, PCL-SNAP, PEG-PCL-SNAP) and evaluated their NO release kinetics.
• Optimized NO release profile by applying a PCL top-coat (tc) to the PEG-PCL-SNAP matrix.
• Assessed antibacterial efficacy against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and NO-mediated inhibition of platelet activation and aggregation.

Main Results:

• The PEG-PCL-SNAP-tc matrix demonstrated a prolonged and well-controlled NO release profile.
• The coated 3D-printed SDVGs exhibited significant antibacterial activity against a broad spectrum of bacteria.
• Nitric oxide effectively inhibited platelet activation and aggregation, indicating antithrombogenic properties.
• NO release in plasma was comparable to that in PBS, suggesting sustained efficacy in physiological conditions.

Conclusions:

• 3D-printing technology enables rapid, reproducible, and customizable production of SDVGs.
• The developed NO-releasing coating provides potent antibacterial and antithrombogenic functionalities.
• This innovative combination holds significant promise for creating next-generation bactericidal and hemocompatible vascular grafts.