Electrosun vascular adventitia-derived ECM/PCL fiber-co-hydrogel scaffold: A novel approach to vascular regeneration with enhanced cell affinity and tunable biomechanical properties

Background:

SDVGs face thrombosis, slow endothelialization, and mechanical mismatch. Synthetic polymers are strong but inert; ECM is bioactive but weak. vaECM aids ECs; stiffness affects VSMC.

Methods:

Decellularized bovine adventitia was HFIP-dissolved, air-dried, and heparin-gelled. Electrospinning-co-electrospray made tubular vaECM/PCL@Hep scaffolds. Ratios were tested in vitro and in rat aorta.

Results:

Scaffolds had layered structure, tunable stiffness, self-healing, low swelling, and hierarchical degradation. Heparin prolonged APTT and lowered PF-4. They boosted HUVEC adhesion, proliferation, migration, and tube formation. Softer 3:4 supported contractile HASMC markers. In rats, week 4 endothelial coverage rose; by week 16, mature smooth muscle and organized ECM remodeling appeared, best in 3:4.

Disclaimer: This is only a scientific frontier sharing and does not constitute any related advice.

#VascularGraft #Biomaterials #Hydrogel #TissueEngineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2026.124259