Abstract:

Objective · To find the best acellular reagent for the preparation of tissue engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) and to modify decellularized vascular grafts with heparin -SDF-1α polyelectrolyte multilayer film and evaluate the biocompatibility of TEVGs. Methods · We decellularized rat aortas with PBS solutions containing 0.25% Triton-X100 and 0.25% SD (the TS group), 1% SDS (the SDS group), and 0.5% Triton-X100, 0.5% SD, and 0.5% SDS (the STS group) with untreated rat aortas serving as controls. The optimal acellular reagent was identified with HE staining, DNA quantification, and scanning electron microscope. After modifying decellularized vascular grafts with heparin -SDF-1α polyelectrolyte multilayer film, we used immunofluorescence to verify the binding of TEVGs on vascular surface. The biocompatibility of modified TEVGs was evaluated with migration assay in vitro and the platelet activation assay was used to measure the adhesion of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Results · The STS group had the best aorta decellularization with good preservation of the three-dimensional structure of blood vessels. Heparin -SDF1α polyelectrolyte multilayer film could bind firmly on the surface of TEVGs. Heparin -SDF-1α polyelectrolyte multilayer film-modified TEVGs significantly reduced the adhesion and activation of platelet on the surface of TEVGs and greatly enhanced proliferation and migration abilities of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Conclusion · The PBS solution containing 0.5% SD, 0.5% SDS, and 0.5% Triton-X100 was the best acellular reagent. The heparin -SDF-1 polyelectrolyte multilayer film can favorably bind on the surface of acellular vessels, which have good biocompatibility.

Key words: polyelectrolyte multilayer film, tissue engineered vascular graft, decellularized vascular