Abstract
BACKGROUND: Rapid application of transcatheter valve replacement for valve diseases has promoted the development of biological valves. Different efforts have been made to improve the surface properties of valves. We developed a new method using arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) peptide and epoxy chloropropane (EC). Our goal was to evaluate and detect the surface biological characteristics of valve materials using RGD and EC treatments. METHODS: The surfaces of the valve materials used in the GA-EC and RGD-EC groups were smooth and relatively dense, as observed using a scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: More MSCs adhered to and grew on the samples in the GA-EC and RGD-EC groups than in the GA group. The apoptosis rate of MSCs was markedly decreased, whereas the expression of vimentin was elevated in the GA-EC and RGD-EC groups (P < 0.05). The adherent ability of MSCs in the RGD-EC and GA-EC groups was significantly higher than that in the GA group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The new treatment method using RGD and EC improves the biological properties of the surface of the biological valve materials.