Mechanocompatible Polymer-Extracellular-Matrix Composites for Vascular Tissue Engineering

Heparinized mechanocompatible polymer-extracellular-matrix (ECM) composites for vascular tissue engineering are fabricated by reacting heparin-(N-[beta-maleimidopropionic acid] hydrazide) with thiolated polymer-ECM composites via click chemistry. This mechanocompatible strategy improves ECM hemocompatibility without affecting its mechanical properties. Mechanocompatible polymer-ECM composites outperform heparinized ECM vascular grafts prepared using carbodiimide chemistry in vivo, highlighting the importance of maintaining the original ECM mechanical properties.