Fabrication of a Bi-layer Tubular Scaffold Consisted of a Dense Nanofibrous Inner Layer and a Porous Nanoyarn Outer Layer for Vascular Tissue Engineering

Recent years, it has attracted more attentions to increase the porosity and pore size of nanofibrous scaffolds to provide the for the cells to grow into the small-diameter vascular grafts. In this study, a novel bi-layer tubular scaffold with an inner layer and an outer layer was fabricated. The inner layer was random collagen/poly （ L-lactide-co-caprolactone ） I P （ LLA- CL） ] nanofibrous mat fabricated by conventional electrospinning and the outer layer was aligned collagen/P （LLA-CL） nanoyarns prepared by a dynamic liquid dectrospinning method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy （FTIR） was used to characterize the chemical structure. Scanning electron microscopy （ SEM ） was employed to observe the morphology of the layers and the cross- sectioned bi-layer tubular scaffold. A liquid displacement method was employed to measure the porosities of the inner and outer layers. Stress-strain curves were obtained to evaluate the mechanical properties of the two different layers and the bi-layer membrane. The diameters of the nanofibers and the nanoyarns were （480 ± 197 ） nm and （ 19.66 ± 4.05 ） μm, respectively. The outer layer had a significantly higher porosity and a larger pore size than those of the inner layer. Furthermore, the bi-layer membrane showed a good mechanical property which was suitable as small-diameter vascular graft. The results indicated that the bi-layer tubular scaffold had a great potential application in small vascular tissue engineering.     

Electrospun Small Diameter Tubes to Mimic Mechanical Properties of Native Blood Vessels Using Poly (L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone )and Silk Fibroin: a Preliminary Study

Mismatch in mechanical properties can induce intimal hyperplasia,which is one of the main reasons for the failure of small diameter artificial blood vessels. Electrospun small diameter tubes with tailored mechanical properties were fabricated through blending poly( L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone)( PLCL) and silk fibroin( SF)with the mass ratios of 30 /70,50 /50,and 70 /30 in this study.Scanning electron microscopy( SEM) and mechanical testing were used to characterize morphological and mechanical properties of the tubes. Results showed that tensile strength of the tubes was higher than most of the native blood vessels,and elongations at break of them were improved greatly by blending PLCL. Compliances of the tubes were all higher than 1% /13. 33 kPa( 1% /100 mmHg).Particularly,tubes with blending mass ratio of 50 /50 showed similar compliance with human native femoral arteries,which provided a promising biomaterial that could be applied on small diameter vascular applications.     

Design and Development of PHBV/PLA Artificial Blood Vessels

In the research,a β-hydroxybutyrate and β-hydroxyvalerate copolymer(PHBV)/polylactic acid(PLA)artificial blood vessel was designed and developed,and it was also implanted in vivo for a period of time to observe its biocompatibility and degradation performance.The results showed that the developed PHBV/PLA artificial blood vessel could be used to replace the natural blood vessel,but its degradation rate was too fast and the mechanical supporting force was insufficient.Thus,properties of the PHBV/PLA need to be further improved.     

Effect of Woven Structure and Ratios of Warp and Weft Density on Water Permeability and Thickness of Woven Polyimide Vascular Grafts

Textile vascular grafts are often used to treat the cardiovascular diseases. Scholars continue to search for new materials for the development of vascular grafts with excellent properties, polyimide(PI) fiber is a material suitable for making vascular grafts with high strength, radiation resistance and stable property, as well as non-cytotoxic and satisfying blood compatibility. This study investigated the tensile strength and hydrolytic degradation properties of PI, polyester(PET) and nylon(PA). The results suggested that the PI is suitable for preparing vascular grafts. And influences of different weaves and ratios of warp and weft density on the water permeability, thickness and porosity of PI vascular grafts were analyzed. Vascular grafts with six weaves and two ratios of warp and weft density were designed and prepared. The surface morphology, permeability and thickness were characterized to optimize the structure of the vascular grafts. The results showed that the wall thickness of all the samples is less than 100 μm except for the sample with the ratio 2∶3 and 1/3 twill pattern. Permeability is mainly determined by the weave and the ratio of warp and weft density. The samples in plain weave have the lowest water permeability compared with other samples.     

Fabrication of Multi-layered Composite Scaffolds by Bi-directional Electrospinning Method

A multi-layered composite scaffolds consisting of poly （ L- ne） （ P （LLA-CL） ）, collagen （COL） and chitosan （CS） were fabricated by a bi-directional electrospinnlng method. Synthetic P （LLA-CL） was used as the middle layer to enhance the strength, while natural COL/CS blending （9： 1, v/v） was used as the bioactive surfaces （inner and outer layers ） to improve the biocompatibility. Each three transitional layers were set between inner/outer layer and middle layer for delamination resistance. Scanning electron microscopy （SEM） was used to observe the fiber morphology. The Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy （FTIR-ATR） spectra, X- ray diffraction （XRD） and thermogravimetry （TG） tests were used to analyze the physical properties of the scaffolds. The results showed that the modified clectrospinning method bad no negative effect on the components, crystal structure and thermostability of the scaffolds, but could effectively combine the mechanical property of synthetic material and biocompatibility of natural materials. Such method could be applied to the fabrication of composite scaffolds for vascular, skin. and nerve tissue engineering.     

New Design of Textile Vascular Prostheses for the Reconstruction of Small Diameter Vascular Blood Vessels

The general object of research is to design new idea of the semi-biodegradable,multilayered vascular prosthesis used for the reconstruction of significantly small diameter vascular vessels( microreconstruction). The paper studies the selection of appropriate sterilization technique for resorbable tubular structures made of poly( L-lactide-co-glicolide)( PLAGA) and nonbiodegradable tubular structures made of polypropylene( PP). The designed grafts are characterized by the physical properties as well as mechanical properties according to ISO 7198 ∶ 1998 Standard.Moreover,the process of the grafts fabrication will be explained considering the stages affected the critical properties of the elaborated textile implants. The increase of PLAGA melt-electrospun tubular structures mechanical properties was observed due to the thermal stabilization use. The ethylene oxide( EO) and steam sterilization had a destructive effect on the designed PLAGA meltelectrospun tubular, fibrous structures, whereas the irradiation yielded in the changes in mechanical and physical properties on the acceptable level,taking into account the future clinical applications.     

Bulk Al-Al3Zr composite prepared by mechanical alloying and hot extrusion for high-temperature applications

Bulk Al/Al₃Zr composite was prepared by a combination of mechanical alloying (MA) and hot extrusion processes. Elemental Al and Zr powders were milled for up to 10 h and heat treated at 600℃ for 1 h to form stable Al₃Zr. The prepared Al₃Zr powder was then mixed with the pure Al powder to produce an Al-Al₃Zr composite. The composite powder was finally consolidated by hot extrusion at 550℃. The mechanical properties of consolidated samples were evaluated by hardness and tension tests at room and elevated temperatures. The results show that annealing of the 10-h-milled powder at 600℃ for 1 h led to the formation of a stable Al₃Zr phase. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results confirmed that the formation of Al₃Zr began with the nucleation of a metastable phase, which subsequently transformed to the stable tetragonal Al₃Zr structure. The tension yield strength of the Al-10wt%Al₃Zr composite was determined to be 103 MPa, which is approximately twice that for pure Al (53 MPa). The yield stress of the Al/Al₃Zr composite at 300℃ is just 10% lower than that at room temperature, which demonstrates the strong potential for the prepared composite to be used in high-temperature structural applications.     

Bulk Al–Al_3Zr composite prepared by mechanical alloying and hot extrusion for high-temperature applications

Bulk Al/Al_3Zr composite was prepared by a combination of mechanical alloying(MA) and hot extrusion processes. Elemental Al and Zr powders were milled for up to 10 h and heat treated at 600℃ for 1 h to form stable Al_3Zr. The prepared Al_3Zr powder was then mixed with the pure Al powder to produce an Al–Al_3Zr composite. The composite powder was finally consolidated by hot extrusion at 550℃. The mechanical properties of consolidated samples were evaluated by hardness and tension tests at room and elevated temperatures. The results show that annealing of the 10-h-milled powder at 600℃ for 1 h led to the formation of a stable Al_3Zr phase. Differential scanning calorimetry(DSC) results confirmed that the formation of Al_3Zr began with the nucleation of a metastable phase, which subsequently transformed to the stable tetragonal Al_3Zr structure. The tension yield strength of the Al-10wt%Al_3Zr composite was determined to be 103 MPa, which is approximately twice that for pure Al(53 MPa). The yield stress of the Al/Al_3Zr composite at 300℃ is just 10% lower than that at room temperature, which demonstrates the strong potential for the prepared composite to be used in high-temperature structural applications.     

Collagen/Chitosan Electrospun Nanofibrous Membrane for Wound Dressing

Collagen(Col)/chitosan(CS)nanofibrous membrane has great potential to be used as wound dressing.However,current Col/CS nanofibrous membrane produced from electrospinning can not offer sufficient mechanical strength for practical applications.Herein,a novel mixed solvent was used to prepare next-generation high-strength Col/CS nanofibrous membrane.Meanwhile,the optimal Col to CS weight ratio was investigated as well.The asproduced membrane was examined by scanning electron microscopy(SEM),attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(ATR-FTIR),differential scanning calorimetry(DSC),and XF-1A tester to study its morphological,chemical,thermal and mechanical properties.The preliminary results demonstrated that the mechanical properties of Col/CS nanofibrous membranes were enhanced substantially with the increase of CS weight ratios from 0 to 90%and the optimal Col to CS weight ratio was determined to be 1∶1.A promising way was presented to fabricate Col/CS electrospun nanofibrous membrane with sufficient mechanical strength for practical wound dressing applications.     

Melt-Spinning of Nano-Hydroxyapatite/Poly(ε-caprolactone) Composite Fibers for Potential Application in Bone Tissue Engineering

Nano-hydroxyapatite/poly( ε-caprolactone)( n HA/PCL)composite materials are among the best candidates for application in bone tissue engineering. As the main technique to fabricate porous scaffolds, electrospinning produce scaffolds with unsatisfactory mechanical strength and limited pore size for cell infiltration.Micron-sized fiber assembly with higher mechanical strength is qualified to structure hybrid scaffolds. In this study, n HA/PCL monofilament fibers with different mass ratios were fabricated through melt-spinning. Transmission electron microscope( TEM)was used to observe the aggregation between n HA particles. Other characterizations including scanning electron microscopy( SEM),attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy( ATR-FTIR) and X-ray diffraction( XRD) were done to discuss the morphology, components and crystallization of the n HA/PCL composite fibers, respectively. The influence of n HA/PCL mass ratio on the tensile properties and water contact angle of composite fibers was also studied. The SEM images show the homogeneous dispersion of nano particles in the polymer matrix. Besides,n HA content increases the tensile strength, initial modulus and hydrophilicity of the composite fibers under the premise of spinnability. This kind of fibers is strong enough to fabricate fiber assembly which may have potential application in bone tissue engineering.     

Fabrication and Properties of Porous Film/Fabric Composites for Vascular Scaffold Application

A composite vascular scaffold combining textile reinforced structure and biodegradable polymer is introduced, which may possess high porosity and connectivity. Moreover, the porous size could be controlled. The proposed scaffold consists of a warp-knitted poly （ethylene terephthalate ） （PET） fabric with well-defined macropores, which is embedded with a porous biodegradable polymer membrane. The aim of this paper is to study the fabrication and properties of porous polymer membrane through optimizing the parameter of composite methods from freeze drying/particle leaching （ FD/PL ） and gas foaming/particle leaching （ GF/PL ）, subsequently combining with the warp-knitted fabric. Weighing method was utilized to analyze the porosity of the samples and the scanning electron microscope （SEM） images were taken to observe the porous structure of the vascular membrane. In addition, ,the static contact angle （CA） was measured to estimate the hydrophilicity of the samples, and the tensile testing of the composites was performed on the universal mechanical tester. Furthermore, the water permeability of the membrane was also calculated. The results showed that the porosity and pore connectivity of the vascular membrane were diverse, became of solution concentration, particle size, ratio of content, etc. Meanwhile, the stress-strain curves and the bursting strength showed the different mechanical properties among composite scaffolds in different structures.     

Engineered polycaprolactone – magnesium hybrid biodegradable porous scaffold for bone tissue engineering

In this paper, we describe the fabrication of a new biodegradable porous scaffold composed of polycaprolactone(PCL) and magnesium(Mg)micro-particles. The compressive modulus of PCL porous scaffold was increased to at least 150% by incorporating 29% Mg particles with the porosity of 74% using Micro-CT analysis. Surprisingly, the compressive modulus of this scaffold was further increased to at least 236% when the silane-coupled Mg particles were added. In terms of cell viability, the scaffold modified with Mg particles significantly convinced the attachment and growth of osteoblasts as compared with the pure PCL scaffold. In addition, the hybrid scaffold was able to attract the formation of apatite layer over its surface after 7 days of immersion in normal culture medium, whereas it was not observed on the pure PCL scaffold. This in vitro result indicated the enhanced bioactivity of the modified scaffold. Moreover, enhanced bone forming ability was also observed in the rat model after 3 months of implantation. Though bony in-growth was found in all the implanted scaffolds. High volume of new bone formation could be found in the Mg/PCL hybrid scaffolds when compared to the pure PCL scaffold. Both pure PCL and Mg/PCL hybrid scaffolds were degraded after 3 months. However, no tissue inflammation was observed. In conclusion, these promising results suggested that the incorporation of Mg micro-particles into PCL porous scaffold could significantly enhance its mechanical and biological properties. This modified porous bio-scaffold may potentially apply in the surgical management of large bone defect fixation.     

A new bone repair scaffold combined with chitosan/ hydroxyapatite and sustained releasing icariin

Icariin, a plant-derived flavonol glycoside, has been proved as an osteoinductive agent for bone tissue engineering. A new bone repair scaffold was generated by thorough mixing of icariin and chitosan/ hydroxyapatite （icariin-CS/HA） using freeze-drying technigue. Characteristics of morphology, mechanical properties, biocompatibility, drug release behavior and bone repair abilities in vivo were evaluated. The results show that drug loading process of icariin did not affect physical structure of CS/HA composite significantly but decreased mechanical properies of CS/HA composite, which happened with a high dosage; icariin-CS/HA had favorable cell compatibility and promoted osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs; the controlled release of icariin was satisfactory and the release retained after 90 d in vitro. In addition, icariin-CS/HA scaffolds had favorable osteoconduction and osteoinduction in vivo, and could fill bone defect sites and stimulate newborn bone tissues formation at early stage. On the basis of these data, icariin-CS/HA is believed to be an optical bone repair scaffold for tissue engineering.     

Preparation and Characterization of Chitosan Nanofibers Containing Silver Nanoparticles

Chitosan(CS)nanofibers containing silver nanoparticles(AgNPs)were prepared by in-situ reducing method.A water soluble carboxymethyl chitosan(CMCT)was applied for the preparation of AgNPs.The impact factor such as the concentration of CMCT,silver nitrate(AgNO_3)content,temperature and the heating time during the preparation of AgNPs were studied.The result showed that the proper value of the concentration of CMCT,AgNO_3content,temperature and the heating time were set as0.1%,20μL AgNO_3(1.7 mol/L),90°and 3 h,separately and the maximum concentration of AgNPs could be acquired.To solve the spinnability of chitosan nanofiber,a super high molecular weight polyethylene oxide(PEO)was introduced to the system,and a new mixed solvent system was prepared by adding acetic acid,dimethyl sulfoxide(DMSO)and several drops of Triton X-100TMto distilled water.CS/PEO(80/20)with the concentration of 3%was dissolved in the mixed solvent to prepare electrospinning solution for CS/PEO(80/20)nanofiber fabrication.The CS containing AgNPs electrospun solution could be prepared by replacing the distilled water to silver nanoparticle solution during the preparation of mixed solvent.Ultraviolet visible(UV-Vis)spectra and transmission electron microscope(TEM)results showed that silver nanoparticles were prepared successfully.CS membranes with and without AgNPs were acquired via a traditional electrospinning equipment.These two nanofiber membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscope(SEM)images and mechanical testing.It could be noticed from the SEM images that there was a good morphology and random distribution for the nanofibers with an average fiber diameter of 180 nm.The mechanical property results showed that the addition of AgNPs decreased the mechanical strength significantly but the mechanical strength could still support wound dressing application.     

Preparation of fiber-microsphere scaffolds for loading bioactive substances in gradient amounts

Gradient scaffolds are needed for interface tissue regeneration. In this study, a technique combining electrospinning and electrospraying was developed for preparing poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) fiber-microsphere scaffolds for loading bioactive substances in gradient amounts. The gradient fiber-microsphere scaffolds contain two sheets of electrospun membranes and a sheet of microspheres loaded with bioactive substances in gradient amounts between the electrospun membranes. The morphologies of the gradient scaffolds were characterized and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was loaded as a model bioactive substance. The amount of BSA-loaded microspheres decreased gradually along the length of the gradient scaffold. The addition of poly (ethylene glycol) significantly improved the hydrophilicity of the gradient scaffold and the release behavior of BSA with respect to the gradient became apparent, with differences in the release amounts along the length of the gradient scaffold being observed. The biocompatibility of the gradient scaffold was verified using MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblastic cells. The study demonstrated that the combination of electrospinning and electrospraying was a feasible method for the preparation of gradient scaffolds for potential applications in interface tissue engineering.     

On Modeling Bio-Scaffolds:Structural and Fluid Transport Characterization Based on 3-D Imaging Data

Bio-scaffolds which are most commonly open celled porous structures are increasingly used for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. A number of studies have shown that the bulk properties of such irregular structures are poorly modeled using idealized unit cell approaches. The paper therefore uses novel image based meshing techniques to explore both fluid flow and bulk structural properties of a bone scaffold, as accurate modeling of bio-scaffolds with non-uniform cellular structures is very important for the development of optimal scaffolds for tissue engineering application. In this study, a porous hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate (HA/TCP) bone scaffold has been scanned in a Micro-CT scanner, and converted into a volumetric mesh using image processing software developed by the authors. The resulting mesh was then exported to commercial FEA and CFD solvers for analysis. Initial FEA and CFD studies have shown promising results and have highlighted the importance of accurate modeling to understand how microstructures influence the mechanical property of the scaffold, and to analyze flow regimes through the sample. The work highlights the potential use of image based meshing for the ad hoc characterization of scaffolds as well as for assisting in the design of scaffolds with tailored strength, stiffness, and transport properties.     

Fabrication and characterization of a PAM modified PHBV/BG scaffold

In order to improve the bioactivity and mechanical strength of the scaffold used in bone repair simultaneously, a novel porous PAM-poly （β-hydroxybutyrate-co-β-hydroxyvalerate） （PHBV）/bioactive glass （BG） scaffold was prepared by photo-initiated polymerization. PAM was used to improve the hydrophilicity of PHBV matrix while the BG particles were added to increase the bioactivity and strength of the matrix synchronously. The grafted amide group and Si-O moieties from acrylamide and the added BG were confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry （FTIR）. The micromorphology of the scaffolds before and after grafting was observed by scanning electron microscopy （SEM）. The resulting images demonstrate that the PAM-PHBV/BG scaffold has a well connected pore structure and appropriate pore size which may be convenient for cells to grow and discharge metabolites. The specific gravity method was used to evaluate the pore property of the scaffold and the result shows that the scaffold has an average porosity up to 82.0%. Mercury intrusion porosimetry （MIP） indicated that the pores of PAM-PHBV/BG scaffold were mainly distributed between 75 and 150 μm. The compressive strength test was adopted to evaluate the mechanical property of the scaffold. The result shows that the PAM-PHBV/BG scaffold has a relatively high compressive strength （0.91 MPa） when compared with the pure PHBV scaffold. Besides, the properties of the pure PHBV scaffold, PHBV/BG scaffold were also evaluated. The newly prepared PAM-PHBV/BG scaffold may be worthy of further studying as a bone repair material.     

Construction of Oriented Structure in Inner Surface of Small-Diameter Artificial Blood Vessels: A Review

There is an urgent need for small-diameter artificial blood vessels in clinic. Physical, chemical and biological factors should be integrated to avoid thrombosis and intimal hyperplasia after implantation and to promote successful fabrication of small-diameter artificial blood vessels. From a physical perspective, the internal oriented structures of natural blood vessels plays an important role in guiding the directional growth of cells, improving the blood flow environment, and promoting the re...     

Weavability of β-Hydroxybutyrate and β-Hydroxyvalerate Copolymers （PHBV）/ PLA Used in Artificial Blood Vessels

The β-hydroxybutyrate and β-hydroxyvalerate copolymers （PHBV）/pulylactic acid （PLA） is a new blocompatible material, which is developed through bacterial fermentation in vivo systems. The PHBV/PLA material could be used to make continuous filaments. However, features of artificial blood vessels, especially small diameter vascular grafts made of PHVB/PLA materials are not known. This research are to evaluate and improve wearability of the PHBV/PLA material, and to explore feasibility of using it in artificial blood vessels. Preliminary results showed that wearability of PHBV/PLV was not good, but its weavability could be improved by using methods of weak chemical, such as sizing. In this research, scanning electron microscope （SEM） was adopted to evaluate weavability of PHBV/PLV after sizing and observe surfaces of yarns and fabrics. Also, in order to set proper parameters in heat settings, differential scanning calorimetry （DSC） was used to identify glass transition temperature.