Axially aligned 3D nanofibrous grafts of PLA-PCL for small diameter cardiovascular applications

Axially aligned nanofibrous matrices were evaluated as small diameter cardiovascular grafts. Grafts were prepared using the poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) physical blends in the ratios of 75:25 and 25:75 with the dimension of (40 x 0.2 x 4) millimeter by electrospinning using dynamic collector (1500 RPM). Hydrophobicity and tensile stress were significantly higher in PLA-PCL (75:25), whereas tensile strain and fiber density were significantly higher in PLA-PCL (25:75). Properties such as anastomatic strength porosity, average pore size, degradation with retained fiber orientation, and thromboresistivity were comparable between blends. Human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVEC) adhesion on the scaffolds was observed within 24h. Cell viability and proliferation were rationally influenced by the aligned nanofibers. Gene expression reveals the grafts thromboresistivity, elasticity, and aided neovascularization. Thus, these scaffolds could be an ideal candidate for small diameter blood vessel engineering.