J-shaped biomimetic response of compliant bilayered small-diameter nanofibrous vascular grafts

MONTINI BALLARIN, F.; CALVO, D.; CARACCIOLO, P.C.; FRONTINI, P.M.; ABRAHAM, G.A.; GUINEA, G.V.

Congreso; XX Congreso Argentino de Bioingeniería y IX Jornadas de Ingeniería Clínica; 2015

Abstract. The production of a small-diameter vascular graft (< 6 mm) with an appropriate and permanent response is still a challenge. The ideal vascular graft must achieve numerous attributes, being the main one to achieve a biomimetic mechanical response. In this work, the electrospinning technique was employed for the production of bilayered small-diameter vascular grafts. Two bioreabsorbable polymers, poly(L-lactic acid) and segmented poly(ester urethane), were selected based on their mechanical response, similar to collagen and elastin respectively. The vascular grafts response to internal pressure was studied in a physiologic chamber at 37°C. A J-shaped biomimetic behavior was achieved due to the graft nanofibrous and layered structure. The grafts compliance was also characterized, with values in the order of natural blood vessels. These results are promising for the grafts potential application in vascular tissue engineering.