A Double-Reactive Biodegradable Elastomer Enables Functional Modification of Fibrous Grafts for More Positive Regeneration of Arterial Tissues

Abstract

Elastomers containing functional groups hold significant potential for soft tissue repair, particularly in vascular tissues; however, available materials of this type are scarce. In this study, we present a straightforward and easily synthesized biodegradable elastomer (named PGSCC), which was developed by incorporating citric acid and L-cysteine into the molecular structure of poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS). This elastomer exhibits good elasticity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability comparable to PGS while also demonstrating enhanced reactivity due to the presence of two active functional groups: -COOH and -SH. This unique combination of exceptional properties endows PGSCC with significant potential for various biomedical applications, particularly for the bioactive modification of essential materials or implanted grafts. One notable example was the significantly improved effect of PGSCC-containing fibrous films on cell proliferation following appropriate modification through the PGSCC. By introducing PGSCC into our previously reported fibrous vascular graft, we obtained a new graft (M-Tri-layer tube) with functional groups that can be modified easily with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and heparin simultaneously. The VEGF/heparin dual-modified graft exhibited more favorable outcomes than the unmodified grafts in rabbits, particularly regarding neo-tissue formation and endothelialization during the early stages of implantation (within 16 weeks), demonstrating the excellent efficacy of PGSCC for vascular graft modification.

Keywords

Biodegradable elastomer / Double-reactivity / Dual-modification / Vascular graft remodeling / Arterial regeneration

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Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China(32071350)

Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality(21ZR1403100)

Science and Technology Project of Shanghai Songjiang District(22SJKJGG61)

Interdisciplinary Program of Shanghai Jiao Tong University(YG2019ZDA19)

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Donghua University, Shanghai, China

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