Fabrication of modified and functionalized polycaprolactone nanofibre scaffolds for vascular tissue engineering

Abstract

Electrospun polymer nanofibres were originally developed for their durability and resistance to all forms of degradation and biodegradation. Some polymer nanofibres are biocompatible and biodegradable and therefore suitable for replacement of structurally or physiologically deficient tissues and organs in humans. Here, biocompatible polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibre scaffolds modified with collagen types I and III were used for vascular tissue engineering. Coronary artery smooth muscle cells (SMCs) were grown on PCL nanofibres, modified PCL/collagen biocomposite nanofibres and collagen nanofibres. The results show that the modified PCL/collagen biocomposite nanofibre scaffolds provide required mechanical properties for regulation of normal cell function in vascular tissue engineering. © 2005 IOP Publishing Ltd.