Decellularized Scaffold-Based Artificial Vascular Patch for Porcine Vascular Repair.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Cardiovascular Research
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) necessitate effective vascular repair strategies.
• Artificial vascular patches are in high global demand.
• Decellularized scaffolds (DCS) offer a promising base for vascular grafts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate a multifunctional decellularized scaffold (DCS)-based vascular patch for porcine vascular repair.
• To enhance mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and hemocompatibility of the artificial vascular patch.
• To assess the potential of the vascular patch in promoting endothelialization and maintaining vascular patency.

Main Methods:

• Coating DCS with ammonium phosphate zwitter-ion (APZI) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel.
• Decorating the surface with heparin (Hep)-loaded metal-organic framework (MOF).
• Evaluating mechanical properties, biocompatibility, blood compatibility, endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) adhesion and proliferation, and in vivo patency using B-ultrasound and CT imaging in a porcine carotid artery model.

Main Results:

• The MOF-Hep/APZI-PVA/DCS vascular patch exhibited suitable mechanical properties, good biocompatibility, and hemocompatibility.
• Enhanced proliferation and adhesion of EPCs were observed on the modified patch compared to unmodified PVA/DCS.
• In vivo implantation in porcine carotid arteries demonstrated maintained patency, confirmed by B-ultrasound and CT imaging.

Conclusions:

• The developed MOF-Hep/APZI-PVA/DCS vascular patch is a promising biomaterial for vascular replacement.
• The multifunctional coating effectively improves the performance of DCS-based vascular grafts.
• This artificial vascular patch shows significant potential for treating cardiovascular diseases by promoting vascular repair and function.