Fabrication of hydrophilic small diameter vascular foam scaffolds of poly(ε-caprolactone)/polylactic blend by sodium hydroxide solution

Abstract

Small diameter (diameter < 6 mm) vascular scaffolds lead to increased hemodynamic disturbances and thrombogenic complications which challenged the material scientists. A compatible interface with applicable mechanical properties of scaffolds is the key issue. In this study, 4 mm inner-diameter poly(ε-caprolactone)/polylactic (PCL/PLA) blend foam vascular scaffolds were fabricated by supercritical carbon dioxide via batch foaming. A uniform open-cell morphology on the cross section of PCL/PLA foams was achieved. To improve the porosity and hydrophilicity on the surface of scaffolds, sodium hydroxide solution was used to hydrolyze off PLA phase. Tensile properties, suture retention, bursting resistance and cell culture of PCL/PLA foam scaffolds were also improved and showed a great promise for vascular tissue engineering application.