Mechanical properties of cellulose: chitosan blends for potential use as a coronary artery bypass graft

Abstract

The development of intimal hyperplasia is the major cause of failure of both autologous saphenous vein and synthetic coronary artery bypass grafts. This is partially due to graft-host vessel compliance mismatch. Cellulose and chitosan (CELL:CHIT) are both biocompatible, nontoxic, and naturally occurring biopolymers that have been used extensively for biomedical applications. Elastic properties of membranes made of CELL:CHIT blends with different ratios between each polymer were determined using uniaxial tests and the ratio that yielded the less stiff membrane was chosen to prepare a small diameter hollow tube. The presence of chitosan had a favorable impact on the elasticity of the membranes, where the CELL:CHIT 5:5 ratio showed the lowest Young's modulus. Small diameter tubular constructs were fabricated using this optimal CELL:CHIT ratio and the compliance was determined on samples with different wall thickness and internal diameter. The compliance of the hollow tube with inner diameter of 4 mm and wall thickness of 1.2 mm was found to be 5.91%/mmHg×10(-2), which is higher than those of Dacron, expanded polytetrafluorethylene, and saphenous vein, but very close to that of human coronary artery. Burst strength tests revealed that the tubes can withstand at least 300 mmHg. Finally, the tubes showed satisfactory cell attachment property when myofibroblast cells adhered and proliferated on the lumen of the samples.

Close Packing of Cellulose and Chitosan in Regenerated Cellulose Fibers Improves Carbon Yield and Structural Properties of Respective Carbon Fibers

“… 25 , 40 In the case of chitosan addition, the reduction of the tenacity of the cellulose composite fiber is generally lower: ∼1% with the addition of 10 wt % CHA and CHB and ∼13% with the addition of 25 wt % CHA and CHB, respectively. Furthermore, the Young’s modulus of the cellulose fibers was not affected despite the addition of chitosan, which is in good agreement with other studies involving cellulose and chitosan blends, 49 , 50 suggesting good compatibility of cellulose and chitosan in its composite form. 50 , 51 Perpetuating the mechanical properties of the precursor filament despite the addition of a secondary polymer is of high importance when targeting carbon fiber production.…”

Recent advances in nanocellulose for biomedical applications

“…The mechanical properties of the PVA–BNC NC materials were closely matched with the mechanical properties of the porcine aorta within physiological range. More recently, Azevedo et al . used cellulose and chitosan blends to fabricate small‐diameter hollow tubes with a compliance that closely matched that of human coronary arteries.…”

Chitosan Nanoparticles: Production, Physicochemical Characteristics and Nutraceutical Applications

“…44 Distinct methodologies have been used to prepare CSNP, and the selection of the preparative method depends on factors such as particle size requirement, thermal and chemical stability of the active agent, reproducibility of the release kinetic characteristics, stability of the final product and residual toxicity associated with the final product. 45 However, the selection of any of these methods depends on the nature of the active molecule, as well as the type of delivery device.…”