Abstract

Low-diameter blood vessels are challenging to replace with more traditional synthetic vascular grafts. Therefore, the obvious choice is to try to regenerate small veins and arteries through tissue-engineering approaches. However, the layered structure of native vessels and blood compatibility issues make this a very challenging task. The aim of this study is to create double-layered tubular scaffolds with enhanced anticoagulant properties for the tissue engineering of small blood vessels. The scaffolds were made of a polycaprolactone-based porous outer layer and a polylactide-based electrospun inner layer modified with heparin. The combination of thermally induced phase separation and electrospinning resulted in asymmetric scaffolds with improved mechanical properties. The release assay confirmed that heparin is released from the scaffolds. Additionally, anticoagulant activity was shown through APTT (activated partial thromboplastin time) assay. Interestingly, the endothelial cell culture test revealed that after 14 days of culture, HAECs (human aortic endothelial cell lines) tended to organize in chain-like structures, typical for early stages of vascular formation. In the longer culture, HAEC viability was higher for the heparin-modified scaffolds. The proposed scaffold design and composition have great potential for application in tissue engineering of small blood vessels.

Highlights

  • The human organism relies on the proper functioning of the complex network of blood vessels: different types of veins, arteries, and capillaries

  • human aortictoendothelial cells (HAEC) viability was higher for the heparin-modified scaffolds

  • Nonwoven tubes based on PLA or heparin-modified PLA were produced using the electrospinning technique

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Summary

Introduction

The human organism relies on the proper functioning of the complex network of blood vessels: different types of veins, arteries, and capillaries. Their aim is to transport blood between the heart and other organs, delivering oxygen and nutrients, as well as removing metabolites. For over 60 years, synthetic vascular prostheses fabricated from various woven and nonwoven polymeric materials have been used in place of larger blood vessels. They are mainly made of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) known as Teflon®

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