Abstract
PURPOSE: Successful intestinal tissue engineering requires specialized biocompatible scaffolds and a vibrant vascularization microenvironment. A pre-vascularized chamber can provide both in vivo, but there is little report on using it to improve intestinal regeneration. Besides, researchers have found that gelatin is highly biocompatible and graphene oxide (GO) can be used to improve mechanical properties. Thus, applying a pre-vascularized chamber fabricated gelatin and GO into intestinal tissue engineering is worth a try. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, an investigation into the physicochemical and mechanical properties as well as biocompatibility of the electrospun graphene oxide-gelatin (GO-Gel) scaffolds were conducted in vitro. Meanwhile, a pre-vascularized GO-Gel (V-GO-Gel) chamber model was built by implanting the scaffold around the mesenteric vessels in rat. After vascularization process, the chamber was used to repair the perforation and then assessed by histology and immunofluorescence analyses. RESULTS: These porous scaffolds were mechanical improved with GO incorporated into gelatin. Further, the cell adherence, viability and morphology on the scaffolds were maintained. The V-GO-Gel chamber model was successfully built and effective enhanced the repair of the intestinal wall than the other group without recurrence or complications. CONCLUSION: The V-GO-Gel chamber shows promising therapeutic potential in the repair of intestinal wall defects.