Dual-acting biofunctionalised scaffolds for applications in regenerative medicine

Abstract

Off the shelf scaffolds for replacing ultra-small diameter vascular grafts are valuable for reconstruction of diseased or damaged vessels. The limitations for such grafts include optimal handling with ready availability of varied lengths of grafts, graft patency with the ability to replace the function of active cellular mechanisms and adequate mechanical properties to maintain physicochemical function. We used a well-established, solvent casting method for potential tissue replacement scaffold fabrication with incorporated bioactive molecules, which we have previously explored to confer haemocompatibility. These grafts were tested in-vivo within the abdominal aorta of 10 Wistar rats and the patency was clinically and echographically evaluated. Haemocompatibility and endothelialisation were assessed on explants. Biofunctionalised scaffolds were also grafted subcutaneously and intraperitoneally to evaluate integration, inflammation and angiogenesis reactions. The potential wider applications of this dual acting scaffold were evaluated for its interactions with human dermal fibroblasts as well as bronchial epithelial cells. Physicochemical property evaluation of the functionalised grafts has clarified the mechanical strength and permeability. This study confirmed the microsurgical suturability of tubular grafts and graft patency of functionalized scaffolds. The study demonstrated the potential of a dual acting biofunctionalised scaffold's use for a wide range of tissue engineering applications where micro-porous, yet impermeable scaffolds are needed.

Biofunctionalization of biomaterials for nitric oxide delivery: potential applications in regenerative medicine

“…19 Porosity is a significant feature of materials used in surgical implants to confer optimal mechanical properties and to facilitate cell-material interactions. 29 Amphiphiles, such as LCAHs, with the amine groups such as those of OD and DD are expected to form micellar geometries with varying degrees of surface area to volume ratios. The range of structures that could form includes spheres, ellipsoids, or globular-bilobed distorted spheres, rods and cylinders, or bilayers.…”

Role of Biomaterials in Cardiac Repair and Regeneration: Therapeutic Intervention for Myocardial Infarction

“…Different synthetic polymers are used in fabricating the TEVG in the laboratory 156,165 including poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), 166 PEG, poly(4-hydroxybutyrate) (P4HB), polyhydroxyoctanoate, PCL, 167 polydioxanone (PDO), PU, poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), 165 poly(lactideco-caprolactone) (PLCL), 168 and polycarbonate polyol (PCU). 169 Moreover, hybrid-based scaffolds may provide better properties than natural/synthetic polymers alone in the fabrication of TEVGs. Hybrid-based biomaterials possess added advantages as these materials carry both the physical and chemical properties of natural/synthetic materials.…”

“…These parameters are controllable as per requirements. Different synthetic polymers are used in fabricating the TEVG in the laboratory , including poly­(lactide- co -glycolide) (PLGA), PEG, poly­(4-hydroxybutyrate) (P4HB), polyhydroxyoctanoate, PCL, polydioxanone (PDO), PU, poly- l -lactic acid (PLLA), poly­(lactide- co -caprolactone) (PLCL), and polycarbonate polyol (PCU) . Moreover, hybrid-based scaffolds may provide better properties than natural/synthetic polymers alone in the fabrication of TEVGs.…”

Preface

“…This problem is further escalated by the goal of innovating to develop an off-the-shelf construct. Dr. de Mel and her colleagues describe the challenges and strides their research made in achieving this goal [5]. The group further describes the design flexibility of such constructs capable of being customized to multiple regenerative medicine organ applications.…”