Plasma‐assisted heparin conjugation on electrospun poly(l‐lactide) fibrous scaffolds

Abstract

Heparin conjugation of poly(L-lactide) fibrous scaffolds fabricated by electrospinning was accomplished by surface functionalization with amine (–NH2) groups using a sequential treatment with Ar-NH3 and H2 plasmas. The density of the incorporated –NH2 group was determined by combining a chemical derivatization method with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The time of Ar-NH3 plasma treatment significantly affected the N/C, –NH2/N, and –NH2/C fractions, whereas the plasma power, Ar-NH3 gas composition, and time of H2 plasma treatment only influenced the –NH2/N and –NH2/C fractions. Scaffold surface functionalization by –NH2 groups significantly increased the amount of covalently bonded heparin compared to a hydrolysis method. The function of immobilized heparin was confirmed by the decrease of platelet attachment during the exposure of the scaffolds to blood from Sprague-Dawley rats. In vitro experiments with bovine aorta endothelial cells demonstrated that heparin conjugation enhanced cell infiltration through the fibrous scaffolds, regardless of the amount of covalently immobilized heparin.

Plasma surface functionalization of biodegradable electrospun scaffolds for tissue engineering applications

“…Specific bioactive molecules can be grafted onto the surface after modifying its chemistry or can be blended with the polymer solution prior to the electrospinning [13]. Plasma surface engineering of electrospun materials has known an abrupt rise during the past decade due to its potential to selectively modify the surface chemistry with a precise control of all the process parameters to avoid the damage of the delicate nanofibrous structure [14,15]. Therefore, this chapter will first briefly describe the ECM architecture and composition in addition to the mechanisms underlying the cell/ECM communications to understand the basis on which the researchers were centered to fabricate tissue-engineered scaffolds.…”

Non-thermal Plasma Technology for the Improvement of Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine - A Review

“…One aspect that is critical for such applications is the haemocompatibility. Wang et al [111] and Cheng et al [112] both used low-pressure RF systems to immobilize heparin on silk nanofibers and PLLA nanofibers, respectively. Whereas Wang et al used an Ar plasma, Cheng et al used an Ar/NH 3 + H 2 plasma.…”

The Role of Synthetic Extracellular Matrices in Endothelial Progenitor Cell Homing for Treatment of Vascular Disease

“…19,32,64,78 Biomaterial based deployment of EPCs has been shown to enhance efficacy of the transplanted cells by providing a microenvironment that enhances cell survival, function, and the sustained release and repopulation of the surrounding tissue by outwardly migrating cells. 70,78 Herein, researchers strive to develop biomaterial-based, synthetic ECMs as delivery vehicles for EPCs in order to enhance survival and retention for better tissue regeneration.…”

“…32,39,79 Biomaterials can serve to create synthetic ECM--derived delivery vehicles that mediate biological processes, including cellular alignment and migration or growth factor release. 19,28 Tissue engineering strategies typically combine cells, polymeric scaffolds, chemical cues, and/or mechanical signals to guide cell phenotype. 9 Here, isolated cells are expanded in vitro and incorporated within three-dimensional material conduits for subsequent transplantation into or near the wound site (Fig.…”

“…58 While alginate is known to also have an affinity for heparinbinding proteins, other biomaterials are modified by incorporating heparin to tune protein binding and control release. 19,32 Herein, chemokine gradients were sustainably generated by incorporating SDF-1 within StarPEG-heparin hydrogels. 58 Here, the release profile of SDF-1 may be altered by precisely varying the loading concentration and by matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-mediated hydrogel cleavage.…”