Scaffold Engineering with Flavone-Modified Biomimetic Architecture for Vascular Tissue Engineering Applications

Vascular intimal hyperplasia (IH) is one of the key challenges in the clinical application of small-diameter vascular grafts. Current tissue engineering strategies focus on vascularization and antithrombotics, yet few approaches have been developed to treat IH. Here, we designed a tissue-engineered vascular scaffold with portulaca flavonoid (PTF) composition and biomimetic architecture. Method: By electrospinning, PTF is integrated with biodegradable poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) into a bionic vascular scaffold. The structure and functions of the scaffolds were evaluated based on material characterization and cellular biocompatibility. Human vascular smooth muscle cells (HVSMCs) were cultured on scaffolds for up to 14 days.

The study provides insights into the problem of restenosis caused by IH. This engineered vascular scaffold with complex function and preparation is expected to be applied as a substitute for small-diameter vascular grafts.

The incorporation of PTF and preparation parameters during fabrication influences the morphology of the scaffold, including fibre diameter, structure, and orientation. Compared to the PCL scaffold, the scaffolds integrated with bioactive PTF show better hydrophilicity and degradability. HVSMCs seeded on the scaffold alongside the fibres exhibit fusiform-like shapes, indicating that the scaffold can provide contact guidance for cell morphology alterations. This study demonstrates that the PCL/PTF (9.1%) scaffold inhibits the excessive proliferation of HVSMCs without causing cytotoxicity.