Cytotoxicity of Polymer Scaffolds Suitable for Manufacturing of Small-Diameter Vascular Grafts

Aim.To evaluate the cytotoxicity of poly(ε-caprolactone) and polyurethane scaffolds in vitro.

Materials and Methods. Polymer scaffolds were made by electrospinning from a 12% solution of poly(ε-caprolactone) or a 12% solution of polyurethane. Surface structure was examined by scanning electron microscopy, whilst cytotoxicity was evaluated by seeding EA.hy 926 endothelial cells on scaffold surface for 72 hours. Cell culture viability and proliferation was assessed by MTT assay and by quantifying cell culture density. On the xCELLigence device, cells were cultured in the presence of the studied matrix samples, and the dynamics of cell culture growth was evaluated in real time.

Results. Poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffolds were characterised by a higher variability in the filament thickness and by a significantly larger pore size. Polyurethane filaments formed a dense web with a smoother surface. Poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffolds had significantly higher biocompatibility in comparison with polyurethane. Adhesion of cells to poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffolds did not differ from the cell culture plastic, and poly(ε-caprolactone) supported cell proliferation in the MTT test. Poly(ε-caprolactone) and polyurethane did not differ significantly in terms of inducing cell proliferation. Both poly(ε-caprolactone) and polyurethane scaffolds did not pose considerable cytotoxicity.

Conclusion. Poly(ε-caprolactone) and polyurethane scaffolds did not exhibit cytotoxic effects and can be used for manufacturing polymer scaffolds of vascular grafts.

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