The endothelialization of small-caliber hybrid vascular graft fabricated with porcine fibrin

Abstract

Objective To investigate the possibility of vascular endothelial cells(ECs)seeding onto the surface of the hybrid vascular grafts fabricated with porcine fibrin.Methods ECs which were seeded onto the tubular scaffold were harvested from canine saphenous vein by collagenase digestion and subculture.After another 7-12 days culture that enabled the maturation of eytoskeleton of ECs,the morpho logical characteristics of vascular ECs on the inner surface of the hybrid vascular grafts were studied under the light and electron microscopy.Results Compared with fresh jugular vein,the hybrid vascular grafts had similar in vitro burst[(2040.83±239.17)vs(2248.33±300.89)mmHg,P ＞ 0.05]and sutureholding[(190.75±41.47)vs(169.15±41.84)g,P ＞ 0.05]strength.Confluent lining of vascular ECs on the inner surface of the hybrid vascular grafts was observed under the light and electron microscopy,and ECs coverage rate was(99.2±0.5)%(n = 4)after 7 days of the culture.Conclusion The hybrid vascular graft provides structural basis for vascular ECs seeding. Key words: Tissue engineering; Blood vessel; Porcine; Fibrin; Endothelialization