Anticalcification Potential of POSS-PEG Hybrid Hydrogel as a Scaffold Material for the Development of Synthetic Heart Valve Leaflets

Abstract

Calcification of bioprosthetics is a primary challenge in the field of artificial heart valves and a main reason for biological heart valve prostheses failure. Recent advances in nanomaterial science have promoted the development of polymers with advantageous properties that are likely suitable for artificial heart valves. In this work, we developed a nanocomposite polymeric biomaterial POSS–PEG (polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane-polyethylene glycol) hybrid hydrogel, which not only has improved mechanical and surface properties but also excellent biocompatibility. The results of atomic force microscopy and in vivo animal experiments indicated that the content of POSS in the PEG matrix plays an important role on the surface and contributes to its biological properties, compared to the decellularized porcine aortic valve scaffold. Additionally, this modification leads to enhanced protection of the hydrogel from thrombosis. Furthermore, the introduction of POSS nanoparticles also gives the hydrogel a better calcification resistance efficacy, which was confirmed through in vitro tests and animal experiments. These findings indicate that POSS–PEG hybrid hydrogel is a potential material for functional heart valve prosthetics, and the use of POSS nanocomposites in artificial valves may offer potential long-term performance and durability advantages.

Surface Modification of Decellularized Heart Valve by the POSS–PEG Hybrid Hydrogel to Prepare a Composite Scaffold Material with Anticalcification Potential

“…In addition, PPHD had better blood compatibility than PHD, which was consistent with our previous research results. 40 The possible reason is that the addition of silicon- rich POSS nanoparticles with surface roughness and low surface energy can improve the blood compatibility of the material. 50 3.5.…”

“…The surface hydrophobicity of the scaffold material was greatly improved, which in turn enhanced its anticalcification ability. 40 The underlying mechanism might be that the introduction of POSS nanoparticles increases the hydrophobicity of the surface of the hydrogel, and the binding properties of surface calcium could be adjusted by changing the flow and crystallization of calcium.…”

“…36−39 The anticalcification ability of the POSS−PEG hydrogels was discussed, and the results demonstrated that the introduction of POSS nanoparticles gives the hydrogel a better calcificationresistance efficacy. 40 In our previous study, a composite scaffold was prepared by loading SDF-1α with an MMP-degradable PEG hydrogel to modify the DHV. The composite scaffold had higher mechanical properties and better cell compatibility, which also could reduce platelet adhesion and improve recellularization.…”

“…Poly­(ethylene glycol) (PEG) has been widely used in the modification of proteins, peptide drugs, and materials due to its excellent cell compatibility, ease of chemical modification, and other properties, which have attracted much attention in the field of biomedical materials in recent years. − Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) is a widely used nanomaterial. − Due to its excellent cell compatibility, a lot of research work has been carried out on its application in the field of biomedicine in recent years. , Seifalian’s group used POSS and polycarbonate polyurethane (PCU) to prepare POSS–PCU composites as TEHVs. − Studies had shown that the POSS–PCU composite material could improve blood compatibility, reduce inflammation, enhance the mechanical properties and surface properties, and have the advantages of antithrombosis and anticalcification, which provided new ideas for heart valve replacement. In our previous research work, a variety of PEG hydrogels have been prepared and used in the field of tissue engineering as scaffold materials. − In addition, we tried to introduce POSS nanoparticles into PEG hydrogels to prepare the POSS–PEG hybrid hydrogels. − The anticalcification ability of the POSS–PEG hydrogels was discussed, and the results demonstrated that the introduction of POSS nanoparticles gives the hydrogel a better calcification-resistance efficacy …”

Tri‐Layered and Gel‐Like Nanofibrous Scaffolds with Anisotropic Features for Engineering Heart Valve Leaflets

“…[24,25] It should be noted that many existing studies have demonstrated that valve calcification is one of the most vital problems that lead to the failure of artificial valve scaffolds after in vivo implantation. [26][27][28] Some previous studies found that age had an important influence on valvular calcification. [29] For instance, one study has already demonstrated that younger women (<60 years old) showed less valve calcification than older women.…”