Improvement of Endothelial Cell Performance in an Optimized Electrospun Pre-polyglycerol Sebacate-Poly Lactic Acid Scaffold for Reconstruction of Intima in Coronary Arteries

Abstract

A most important parameter in tissue engineering of blood vessels is the restoration of the endothelium in small-diameter vascular grafts. Not only the mechanical properties of the inner layer of the synthetic graft but also its physical and chemical properties play important roles in both the response of the endothelial cells and the successful reconstruction of the lumen layer. This study was conducted to develop an optimized scaffold of pre-polyglycerol sebacate-poly lactic acid (pre-PGS-PLLA) polymeric blend and to determine the relevant electrospinning parameters that guarantee the required tensile strength, failure strain, and Young’s modulus of the graft. A second aspect of the study involved evaluation of the suture strength, burst strength, water contact angle, degradation rate, and the response of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells to the fabricated scaffold. The pre-PGS-PLLA blend showed a tensile strength of 0.420 ± 0.23 MPa, a Young’s modulus of 2.05 ± 0.27 MPa, a suture strength with a failure strain of 67.6 ± 10.97%, and a burst strength of 90.2 ± 0.95 kPa, all of which were mechanically consistent with the artery intima characteristics. Moreover, a contact angle of > 10° with water was recorded. The scaffold was found capable of maintaining 40.14% of its initial weight after 60 days while also retaining its structural integrity. Based on the HUVEC cell response examination, the scaffold had no toxicity and the cells showed satisfactory morphology and proliferation. Given the proper imitation of the mechanical properties as well as the survival and proliferation of the endothelial cells, the synthesized scaffold may be recommended for the reconstruction of coronary artery intima and the treatment of vascular tissue disorders.