Chitosan-Heparin Polyelectrolyte Multilayer-Modified Poly(vinyl alcohol) Vascular Patches based on a Decellularized Scaffold for Vascular Regeneration

Vascular patches play an important role in vascular reparation and cardiovascular diseases therapy. Recently, decellularized scaffold (DCS)-based vascular patches have drawn attention for their good biocompatibility and blood compatibility. In this work, we developed a poly(vinyl alcohol)-coated DCS as a vascular patch for vascular regeneration. Polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) were further decorated on the surface via layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly to improve the biocompatibility of the vascular patch. According to the in vitro experiment, the vascular patch exhibited rapid endothelialization and good hemocompatibility. Compared with unmodified polyvinyl alcohol)/DCS, the PEM-modified vascular patch possesses improved hemocompatibility, for example, enhanced anti-platelet adhesion ability, prolonged in vitro coagulation time, and decreased hemolysis rate. Therefore, this vascular patch is conducive to the proliferation and attachment of endothelial progenitor cells. Meanwhile, the in vivo performance in a porcine model was investigated with the in vivo computed tomography angiography and B ultrasound was used to further confirm the vascular regeneration. Excitedly, the porcine artery could remain unblocked for 5 months after implantation. Our current research provides a potential strategy for treating diseased blood vessels in clinical surgery.

Automated summary

This study developed a poly(vinyl alcohol)-coated decellularized scaffold as a vascular patch for vascular regeneration, and improved its biocompatibility through layer-by-layer assembly. In vitro experiments showed rapid endothelialization and good hemocompatibility of the vascular patch. In vivo experiments on a porcine model confirmed the vascular regeneration, with the porcine artery remaining unblocked for 5 months after implantation.