A hybrid electrospun PU/PCL scaffold satisfied the requirements of blood vessel prosthesis in terms of mechanical properties, pore size, and biocompatibility

J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 2013;24(14):1692-706. doi: 10.1080/09205063.2013.792642. Epub 2013 Apr 29.

Abstract

In this study, a novel hybrid polyurethane/polycaprolactone (PU/PCL) tubular scaffold was fabricated using the electrospinning process for blood vessel prosthesis applications. The detailed microstructure and material properties such as porosity, tensile and bust strength, contact angle, and biocompatibility were investigated and compared with those of monolithic PU and PCL scaffolds. The mechanical properties of the hybrid PU/PCL scaffold (tensile strength: 18 MPa, pressure strength: 590 mmHg) were found to be within the range needed for artificial blood vessel applications. The pore sizes of the PU/PCL scaffold ranged from 5-150 um in diameter, are sufficient enough to allow nutrient diffusion across the membrane. The reduced hydrophobic property of the PU/PCL scaffold was the result of the addition of relatively less hydrophobic PU compared with monolithic PCL scaffold. The biocompatibility of the PU/PCL scaffold was evaluated through cytotoxicity testing, and morphological observation by scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy using cow pulmonary artery endothelial cells and fibroblast like cells (L929).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry*
  • Biocompatible Materials / pharmacology
  • Biocompatible Materials / toxicity
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis*
  • Cell Adhesion / drug effects
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Endothelial Cells / cytology
  • Endothelial Cells / drug effects
  • Fibroblasts / cytology
  • Fibroblasts / drug effects
  • Materials Testing*
  • Mechanical Phenomena*
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Optical Phenomena
  • Polyesters / chemistry*
  • Polyurethanes / chemistry*
  • Porosity

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Polyesters
  • Polyurethanes
  • polycaprolactone