Preliminary Results on Heparin-Modified Double-Layered PCL and PLA-Based Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering of Small Blood Vessels

Abstract

Low-diameter blood vessels are challenging to replace with more traditional synthetic vascular grafts. Therefore, the obvious choice is to try to regenerate small veins and arteries through tissue-engineering approaches. However, the layered structure of native vessels and blood compatibility issues make this a very challenging task. The aim of this study is to create double-layered tubular scaffolds with enhanced anticoagulant properties for the tissue engineering of small blood vessels. The scaffolds were made of a polycaprolactone-based porous outer layer and a polylactide-based electrospun inner layer modified with heparin. The combination of thermally induced phase separation and electrospinning resulted in asymmetric scaffolds with improved mechanical properties. The release assay confirmed that heparin is released from the scaffolds. Additionally, anticoagulant activity was shown through APTT (activated partial thromboplastin time) assay. Interestingly, the endothelial cell culture test revealed that after 14 days of culture, HAECs (human aortic endothelial cell lines) tended to organize in chain-like structures, typical for early stages of vascular formation. In the longer culture, HAEC viability was higher for the heparin-modified scaffolds. The proposed scaffold design and composition have great potential for application in tissue engineering of small blood vessels.

Natural Materials for 3D Printing and Their Applications

“…An anticoagulant double-tubular biological scaffold was prepared via heat-induced phase separation and electrospinning by Domalik-Pyzik et al The outer layer of the scaffold was polycaprolactone as the main material, while the inner layer was the polylactide layer modified by heparin. It not only improved the mechanical properties, but it was also confirmed using the endothelial cell culture test that the bilayer scaffold had a positive effect on human aortic endothelial cell lines (HAECs), which can be applied in the field of vascular tissue engineering ( Figure 4 D) [ 73 ].…”

“…( C ) Schematic diagram of preparation of Dex-G glucose-sensitive hydrogel [ 72 ]. ( D ) Schematic diagram of preparation of a double-layer tubular biological scaffold modified by heparin [ 73 ].…”

Antimicrobial Fibrous Bandage-like Scaffolds Using Clove Bud Oil

“…The fibres generated through pressurised gyration can be used for medical applications such as tissue engineering and producing bandages [31][32][33][34]. Biodegradable polymers such as polycaprolactone offer biocompatibility and suitability in a range of biomedical applications from bone tissue engineering to wound healing, where pressurised gyration is ideal to produce fibrous meshes [35][36][37][38][39].…”