title: The effect of cross-linking on the microstructure, mechanical properties and biocompatibility of electrospun polycaprolactone-gelatin/PLGA-gelatin/PLGA-chitosan hybrid composite.
abstract: In this study, multilayered scaffolds composed of polycaprolactone (PCL)-gelatin/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-gelatin/PLGA-chitosan artificial blood vessels were fabricated using a double-ejection electrospinning system. The mixed fibers from individual materials were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The effects of the cross-linking process on the microstructure, mechanical properties and biocompatibility of the fibers were examined. The tensile stress and liquid strength of the cross-linked artificial blood vessels were 2.3 MPa and 340 mmHg, respectively, and were significantly higher than for the non-cross-linked vessel (2.0 MPa and 120 mmHg). The biocompatibility of the cross-linked artificial blood vessel scaffold was examined using the MTT assay and by evaluating cell attachment and cell proliferation. The cross-linked PCL-gelatin/PLGA-gelatin/PLGA-chitosan artificial blood vessel scaffold displayed excellent flexibility, was able to withstand high pressures and promoted cell growth; thus, this novel material holds great promise for eventual use in artificial blood vessels.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering and Materials, School of medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 330-090, Korea.
authors.forename: Thi-Hiep
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering and Materials, School of medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 330-090, Korea.
authors.forename: Byong-Taek
authors.initials: BT
authors.lastname: Lee
keywords: 10.01; PLGA; chitosan; gelatin; polycaprolactone