Comparative Evaluation on Impacts of Fibronectin, Heparin–Chitosan, and Albumin Coating of Bacterial Nanocellulose Small-Diameter Vascular Grafts on Endothelialization In Vitro

Abstract

In this study, we contrast the impacts of surface coating bacterial nanocellulose small-diameter vascular grafts (BNC-SDVGs) with human albumin, fibronectin, or heparin–chitosan upon endothelialization with human saphenous vein endothelial cells (VEC) or endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) in vitro. In one scenario, coated grafts were cut into 2D circular patches for static colonization of a defined inner surface area; in another scenario, they were mounted on a customized bioreactor and subsequently perfused for cell seeding. We evaluated the colonization by emerging metabolic activity and the preservation of endothelial functionality by water soluble tetrazolium salts (WST-1), acetylated low-density lipoprotein (AcLDL) uptake assays, and immune fluorescence staining. Uncoated BNC scaffolds served as controls. The fibronectin coating significantly promoted adhesion and growth of VECs and EPCs, while albumin only promoted adhesion of VECs, but here, the cells were functionally impaired as indicated by missing AcLDL uptake. The heparin–chitosan coating led to significantly improved adhesion of EPCs, but not VECs. In summary, both fibronectin and heparin–chitosan coatings could beneficially impact the endothelialization of BNC-SDVGs and might therefore represent promising approaches to help improve the longevity and reduce the thrombogenicity of BNC-SDVGs in the future.

Fibronectin-Enriched Biomaterials, Biofunctionalization, and Proactivity: A Review

“…Increasing cell adhesion and proliferation in static and dynamic culture conditions of human saphenous vein endothelial and endothelial progenitor cells [37] Carbodiimide cross-linker…”

“…Other strategies for Fn covalent immobilization on hydrogel surfaces using an avidinbiotin-binding system have also been described in the literature [34], as have those involving surface activation with hydrazine hydrate [35] or via a polydopamine-coating process [36]. Recently, Wacker et al reported the biofunctionalization of bacterial nanocellulosehydrogel-based vascular grafts (BNCs) with human albumin, Fn, or heparin-chitosan [37]. Briefly, BCN surfaces were activated with 1-cyano-4-dimethylamino pyridinium tetrafluoroborate (CDAP).…”

“…Bioconjugation with proteins was induced by the formation of isourea bonds with amino acids. The Fn bioactivity regarding human saphenous vein endothelial cell (VEC) and endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) adhesion and proliferation was remarkable compared to that of albumin or heparin coatings [37].…”

Facilitation of adhesion and spreading of endothelial cells on silicone oxide-coated dacron material by microwave-excited low-pressure plasma

“…One of the main aims in vascular prosthesis research is therefore to develop an ideal vascular prosthesis claiming the possibility of sterilization, storage and rapid availability, no or at least low cytotoxicity, good handling in surgical processing, no induction of external body complaints, no foreign body reaction, low thrombogenicity, variability of caliber; wall thickness; and length, and stability with elasticity and porosity with sufficient tightness [ ]. Various surface coatings, for example, attempt to improve artificial vascular prosthesis material [ ], [ ], [ ], [ ]. Specifically, the direct and fastest possible cell colonization on the different coatings with endothelial cells was investigated in this context by many groups so far [ , , ], [ ], [ ].…”

“…Various surface coatings, for example, attempt to improve artificial vascular prosthesis material [ ], [ ], [ ], [ ]. Specifically, the direct and fastest possible cell colonization on the different coatings with endothelial cells was investigated in this context by many groups so far [ , , ], [ ], [ ]. In addition to the reduction of thrombogenicity, a fast endothelialization of the vascular prosthesis should reduce intimal hyperplasia and thus prevent stenoses.…”