Heat-Stimuli Shape Memory Effect of Poly (ε-Caprolactone)–Cellulose Acetate Composite Tubular Scaffolds

Abstract

Small-diameter artery disease is the most common clinical occurrence, necessitating the development of small-diameter artificial blood vessels. In this study, seven types of poly(-caprolactone)−cellulose acetate (PCL−CA) composite nanofiber membranes were prepared with different proportions of PCL and CA. The adhesion and growth of Mc3t3-e1 cells were considered to confirm the in vitro cytocompatibility of PCL−CA membranes. A smooth stainless-steel mandrel with a diameter of 4 mm was used to roll up the prepared nanofiber membranes to produce the tubular scaffold with 50 °C hot water. The tubular scaffolds were subjected to axial and circumferential tensile tests. The mechanical performance of the PCL−CA tubular scaffold could be improved by increasing the layers. In addition, the burst pressure (BP) of the tubular scaffolds was increased with the layers, and the BPs of six-layer (2380 ± 36.8 mmHg) and eight-layer (3720 ± 80.5 mmHg) tubular scaffolds were much higher than that of the human saphenous vein (2000 mmHg). The compression shape memory performances of the PCL−CA tubular scaffold with different layers were also investigated to simulate and analyze the contraction and expansion of tubular scaffolds. The experimental results showed that the compression strain of the tubular scaffold in the diameter direction reached 35%, and the ultimate shape recovery rate reached 87%. However, the shape fixity rate and shape recovery rate increased, demonstrating that the optimum number of layers can improve the compression shape memory performance of the tubular scaffold. The results of this study, including comprehensive morphological and mechanical properties and cytocompatibility, indicated the potential applicability of PCL−CA tubular scaffolds as tissue engineering grafts.

Application of biomedical materials in the diagnosis and treatment of myocardial infarction

“…Synthetic materials have controlled degradation rates, better mechanical properties, and are non-toxic. Common synthetic materials are polycaprolactone (PCL), [ 93 ] polyethylene terephthalate (PET), [ 94 ] polylactic acid (PLA), [ 95 ] polycarbonate polyurethane (PCU), [ 96 ] thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), [ 97 ] polyglycerol sebacate (PGS), [ 98 ] and co-polymers of poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) [ 99 ]. Artificial blood vessels integrating natural and synthetic materials have been developed.…”

Multistimuli-Responsive Shape-Memory Composites with a Water-Assisted Self-Healing Function Based on Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose/Poly(vinyl alcohol)/MXene

“…Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) and self-healing polymers (SHPs) represent two prominent categories of smart polymers. SMPs are capable of responding to external stimuli (e.g., light, − heat, − pH, − electricity, , and moisture − ), and self-healing properties can significantly extend the lifespan of materials, ensuring application durability and operational safety and reducing maintenance costs . In recent years, polymeric materials with shape-memory and self-healing properties have garnered substantial interest due to their potential applications in various fields, including medical devices, , aerospace, , and flexible electronics. , Despite the progress, most of the existing SMPs are limited to responding to a single stimulus and show poor functionality, which hinders their future application in the realm of smart materials.…”