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Development and characterization of a suturable biomimetic patch for cardiac applications

  • Biomaterials Synthesis and Characterization
  • Original Research
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Abstract

3D scaffolds used to repair damaged tissues should be able to mimic both composition and functions of natural extracellular matrix, which is mainly composed of polysaccharides and proteins. In our previous research new biomimetic sponges, based on blends of alginate with gelatin, were produced and characterized for myocardial tissue engineering applications. It was observed that these scaffolds can potentially function as a promising cardiac extracellular matrix substitute, but a reinforcement is required to improve their suturing properties. Aim of the present work was the development of a suturable biomimetic patch by the inclusion of a synthetic mesh within an alginate/gelatin scaffold. The mesh, produced by dry spinning, was made of eight superimposed layers of polycaprolactone microfibers, each one rotated of 45° with respect to the adjacent one. Reinforced scaffolds were obtained through the use of a mold, specially designed to place the fibrous mesh exactly in the center of the sponge. Both the reinforcement mesh and the reinforced scaffold were characterized. A perfect integration between the mesh and the sponge was observed. The fibrous mesh reduced the capacity of the sponge to absorb water, but the degree of hydrophilicity of the material was still comparable with that of natural cardiac tissue. The reinforced system showed a suitable stability in aqueous environment and it resulted much more resistant to suturing than not reinforced scaffold and even than human arteries. Polycaprolactone mesh was not cytotoxic and the reinforced scaffold was able to support cardiomyocytes adhesion and proliferation. Overall, the obtained results confirmed that the choice to modify the alginate/gelatin sponges through the insertion of an appropriate reinforcement system turned out to be correct in view of their potential use in myocardial tissue engineering.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering (DICI), University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, 56126, Pisa, Italy

    Elisabetta Rosellini, Luigi Lazzeri, Simona Maltinti, Francesca Vanni, Niccoletta Barbani & Maria Grazia Cascone

  2. Inter-University Center for the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56126, Pisa, Italy

    Elisabetta Rosellini, Luigi Lazzeri & Maria Grazia Cascone

Authors
  1. Elisabetta Rosellini
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  2. Luigi Lazzeri
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  3. Simona Maltinti
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  4. Francesca Vanni
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  5. Niccoletta Barbani
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  6. Maria Grazia Cascone
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Correspondence to Maria Grazia Cascone.

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Rosellini, E., Lazzeri, L., Maltinti, S. et al. Development and characterization of a suturable biomimetic patch for cardiac applications. J Mater Sci: Mater Med 30, 126 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-019-6327-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-019-6327-6

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