In vivo performance of dual ligand augmented endothelialized expanded polytetrafluoroethylene vascular grafts.

TitleIn vivo performance of dual ligand augmented endothelialized expanded polytetrafluoroethylene vascular grafts.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2005
AuthorsBP Chan, W Liu, B Klitzman, WM Reichert, and GA Truskey
JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part B, Applied Biomaterials
Volume72
Issue1
Start Page52
Pagination52 - 63
Date Published01/2005
Abstract

In this study, we examined combinations of three approaches to improve the adhesion of endothelial cells (EC) onto expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) vascular grafts placed at the femoral artery of rats: (1) high-affinity receptor-ligand binding of RGD-streptavidin (SA) and biotin to supplement integrin-mediated EC adhesion; (2) cell sodding to pressurize the seeded EC into the interstices of the ePTFE grafts; and (3) longer postseeding attachment time from 1 to 24 h prior to implantation. An in vitro system, which accounts for cell loss due to both graft handling and shear stress, was designed to optimize conditions for in vivo experiments. Results suggest that longer in vitro attachment time enabled the adherent EC to endure mechanical stresses by forming strong adhesions to the underlying extracellular matrix substrates; cell sodding helped to retain the adherent EC by physically docking the cells against the graft interstices; and the SA-biotin interaction enhanced the early attachment of EC but did not lead to better cell retention or reduced surface coverage of blood clot in the current study. Mechanical manipulation of cells during implantation is a limiting factor in maintaining a confluent EC layer on synthetic vascular grafts.

DOI10.1002/jbm.b.30114
Short TitleJournal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part B, Applied Biomaterials