Electrospining Machine: Human cell-free amniotic membrane/polycaprolactone vascular grafts prepared by electrospinning enable vascular remodeling in vivo

Background

Cardiovascular disease is one of the diseases with the highest morbidity and mortality rates in the world. According to the World Health Organization, it is predicted that by 2030, the number of people who will die from cardiovascular diseases will reach 23.3 million. Vascular grafting is an effective treatment for severe vascular lesions, and autologous blood vessels are the ideal vascular substitute. However, autologous blood vessels are of poor quality and insufficient quantity and are difficult to obtain; therefore, research and development of artificial vascular grafts are essential

The main point of this paper

Importance of material selection:

Ideal materials for vascular grafts need to be well biocompatible, nonimmunogenic, noninflammatory, nontoxic, stable, and easy to store.

Limitations of conventional materials:

Although polymers and natural materials have been extensively studied, there are no proven methods for the preparation of small-caliber vascular grafts commercially available due to issues of biocompatibility, degradation, and inflammatory response.

Applications and limitations of natural materials:

Natural materials such as collagen, chitosan, and fibronectin are used as the biomaterial backbone of vascular grafts, but there is a risk of carrying pathogens and triggering inflammatory reactions.

Characterization of human amniotic membrane (HAM):

HAM as a translucent membrane has good biocompatibility and non-immunogenicity, but the mechanical properties deteriorate after decellularization treatment.

Polycaprolactone (PCL) applications:

PCL is a non-toxic polymer with good mechanical properties suitable for in vivo vascular grafting, but its hydrophobicity and degradation rate need to be improved.

Combination of PCL with natural materials:

The biocompatibility of vascular grafts can be enhanced by combining PCL with natural materials such as collagen.

Combination study of HAM and PCL:

This study explores new ways to prepare vascular grafts by mixing HAM with PCL to utilize the bioactivity of HAM and the mechanical properties of PCL.

Small-caliber vascular grafts based on HAAM/PCL composites: a tissue engineering innovation with enhanced bioactivity and mechanical properties

Research Objective:

To develop small caliber vascular grafts with bioactive and mechanical properties for tissue engineering.

Materials and Methods:

Small-caliber vascular grafts were prepared by electrospinning a mixture of human acellular amniotic membrane (HAAM) and polycaprolactone (PCL).

Mechanical Properties Testing:

Mechanical testing showed that the developed vascular grafts were strong enough to withstand the pressure of neighboring blood vessels and blood pressure.

Biocompatibility assessment:

In vitro cell proliferation assays evaluated the biocompatibility of HAAM/PCL vascular grafts.

Improved endothelial cell function:

Tubule formation tests demonstrated that HAAM-containing vascular grafts improved human umbilical vein endothelial cell function.

Cell Adhesion and Retention:

HAAM/PCL vascular grafts promote endothelial cell attachment and retention.

Smooth muscle layer regeneration:

The regenerated smooth muscle layer was similar to the native arterial smooth muscle layer with intact endothelial coverage.

Summarize

In conclusion, HAAM/ PCL vascular grafts are biocompatible and their mechanical properties provide good in vivo support. In addition, the vascular grafts promote EC and SMC infiltration and migration to the vascular grafts in vivo. This study lays the foundation for future clinical applications of HAAM/PCL vascular grafts.