Modulating expanded polytetrafluoroethylene vascular graft host response via citric acid-based biodegradable elastomers

A biodegradable polyester elastomer, poly(1,8-octanediol citrate) (POC), is used to modify the lumen of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) grafts via a spin-shearing method followed by interfacial in situ polycondensation. We demonstrate successful surface modification of ePTFE grafts without affecting graft compliance (see figure). The POC interface confers hydrophilicity, reduced thrombogenicity, facilitated graft endothelialization in vitro, and reduced macrophage infiltration on the ePTFE grafts.