Preparation of composite tubular grafts for vascular repair via electrospinning

A novel type o f composite vascular graft was developed via electrospinning in the present investigation. Collagen and chitosan were blended to form the inner and outer layer. Poly(l -lactide-co-caprolactone) ( P( LLA-CL )) was selected as a m aterial fo r the middle layer of composite vascular graft. Both morphology and diameter of the composite grafts were studied by Scanning Electron Microsco pe ( SEM). The results of mechanical tests showed hat the composite scaffolds provided the whole grafts with better strength and flexibility compared with blended grafts, mainly due to the fact that t he middle l ayer was P(LLA-CL). Cell viability studies with end othelial cells su ggested a prompt adhesion and proliferation duo to the fact that the outer layer was collagen and chitosan. Confocal microscopy demonstrated that amonolayer ofend othelial cells could be formed a fter 7 days of culture. The above results indicated that the composite fibrous scaffolds could be a good can didate for blood vessel repair by electrospinning method .