Construction of a biomimetic three-layered PLLA/PCL large-diameter vessel via electrospinning and ultrasonic pore-forming: Preliminary animal evaluation
- VernacularTitle:静电纺丝结合超声扩孔构建仿生三层结构PLLA/PCL大直径血管的动物学评价
- Author:
Wenjun WANG
1
;
Yang GAO
1
;
Feng GAO
1
;
Lei SHI
1
;
Wei LIU
1
;
Weiwang FAN
1
;
Chang XU
2
;
Hong ZHENG
3
;
Xufeng DONG
4
;
ZHUANG Xijing
1
Author Information
1. Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Dalian University of Technology Affiliated Central Hospital (Dalian Municipal Central Hospital), Dalian, 116000, Liaoning, P. R. China
2. Institute of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116000, Liaoning, P. R. China
3. The First Operating Room, Dalian University of Technology Affiliated Central Hospital (Dalian Municipal Central Hospital), Dalian, 116000, Liaoning, P. R. China
4. School of Materials Science and Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116000, Liaoning, P. R. China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Large-diameter artificial blood vessels;
poly-L-lactic acid;
polycaprolactone;
three-layer artificial blood vessels;
animal evaluation
- From:
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
2026;33(07):1093-1100
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To fabricate a large-diameter vascular graft with a pore size gradient structure mimicking that of natural blood vessels, using poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) as base materials through electrospinning and ultrasonic pore-forming techniques, and to evaluate its application potential. Methods A three-layered tubular graft was fabricated from a PCL/PLLA blend (mass ratio 6 : 4) via electrospinning, followed by an ultrasonic pore-forming process to create a gradient porosity. The resulting graft (diameter: 2 cm, length: 4 cm) was implanted into the descending thoracic aorta of an experimental pig using an end-to-end anastomosis. Graft patency and anastomotic sites were monitored by computed tomography angiography (CTA) at 1 and 6 weeks post-surgery. After 2 months, the graft was explanted for systematic evaluation of vascular regeneration and repair through gross examination, histopathology (H&E and elastic fiber staining), immunohistochemistry [for ETS-related gene (ERG), Actin, and Vimentin], and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results Postoperative CTA confirmed excellent graft patency at both 1 and 6 weeks, with no evidence of thrombosis or anastomotic stenosis. Gross examination of the 2-month explant revealed a smooth luminal surface covered by neotissue. Histopathological analysis demonstrated that the graft successfully induced the formation of a three-layered structure resembling a native vessel wall, comprising endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts. Immunohistochemistry further verified coverage of the luminal surface by endothelial cells (ERG-positive), along with the presence of neosmooth muscle (Actin-positive) and fibroblasts (Vimentin-positive). Endothelial cells were observed adhering to the inner surface of the artificial vessel under SEM. Conclusion The biomimetic, three-layered PLLA/PCL large-diameter vascular graft, constructed via electrospinning and ultrasonic pore-forming, exhibits excellent short-term patency and biocompatibility in a large animal model. More importantly, it demonstrates a significant potential to promote host cell infiltration and achieve in situ regeneration of a three-layered vascular wall structure, providing a promising experimental basis for the development of next-generation functional vascular substitutes.
