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Implantation of Electrospun Vascular Grafts with Optimized Structure in a Rat Model
Published on: June 27, 2018
Zwitterionic Polymer-Grafted Polylactic Acid Vascular Patches Based on a Decellularized Scaffold for Tissue
1Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Biomedical Function Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Wenyuan Road #1, Xianlin University Town, Qixia District, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, China.
This study developed a novel zwitterionic polymer-grafted vascular patch. The patch promotes endothelialization and maintains long-term blood vessel patency, offering a promising solution for cardiovascular disease treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Vascular Tissue Engineering
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases affect millions, necessitating effective vascular grafts.
- Vascular patch endothelialization is crucial for preventing thrombosis and ensuring graft patency.
- Developing materials with enhanced endothelial progenitor cell affinity is key for vascular tissue engineering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize a novel zwitterionic organophosphate (AHEP) for vascular patch modification.
- To graft AHEP onto a polylactic acid (PLA)-coated decellularized scaffold to create an advanced vascular patch.
- To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo performance of the AHEP-grafted vascular patch.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of reactive zwitterionic organophosphate (AHEP) with a phosphorylcholine headgroup.
- Grafting AHEP onto a PLA-coated decellularized scaffold to form the vascular patch.
- In vitro assessments of hemocompatibility, cytotoxicity, and endothelial progenitor cell affinity.
- In vivo evaluation in a pig model using B-ultrasonography, Doppler spectra, and CT angiography.
Main Results:
- The AHEP-grafted vascular patch exhibited excellent hydrophilicity and biocompatibility.
- Demonstrated nonhemolytic properties, noncytotoxicity, and resistance to platelet adhesion.
- Showcased strong affinity for endothelial progenitor cells, promoting endothelialization.
- Maintained long-term patency (5 months) of surgical arteries in vivo.
Conclusions:
- The zwitterionic polymer-grafted PLA vascular patch shows significant potential for vascular tissue engineering.
- The material's properties support endothelial tissue formation and long-term vascular graft function.
- This novel approach offers a promising strategy for treating cardiovascular diseases.

