Preparation, characterization and in vivo graft patency of a silk fibroin tubular scaffold

Abstract

In order to realize preferable in vivo response, an optimized silk fibroin tubular scaffold (SFTS) was fabricated, and the mechanical properties and patency in vivo were evaluated. The SFTS was crosslinked by poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether (PEG-DE) at an optimized SF:PEG-DE mass ratio of 1·0:0·8. SFTSs prepared with 8% SF showed a rough surface with a roughness between 80 nm and 5 μm. Pore diameters in SFTSs and inner surface were distributed in the range of 10–140 μm. Axial tensile strength and elongation at failure of SFTSs were 0·63–0·78 MPa and 52–74% respectively, in the radial, they were up to 21·5 MPa and 350%, respectively. Elastic recovery rate was up to 94%, and suture retention strength was above 22 N. After 1 year of implantation, SFTSs were patent with no signs of stenosis and hemangiomas. These data demonstrates that the SFTS possesses the appropriate mechanical properties and satisfactory anticoagulant property for its use as an alternative to vascular autografts.