A novel small diameter vascular graft composed of silk fibroin and segmental polyurethane was developed by the electrospinning method. The parameters of electrospinning, especially the distance between target-syringe and collection time, were optimized to provide desired characteristics to vascular grafts. Each graft was characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM),compressive elastic modulus and permeability. It was observed that the distance between target syringe influenced porosity of the graft and the collection time influenced compressive elastic modulus and permeability. The SF/PU graft was prepared with optimized parameter, 9 cm for distance between target-syringe and 60 min for collection time. The SF/PU electrospun graft with no fray on cutting surface, having porosity but less permeability was prepared successfully. The SF/PU graft was evaluated by rat implantation test. 100% patency was otained with implantation for 2 weeks (n=2) and 4 weeks (n=4). The formation of thrombus and intimal hyperplasia, which cause occlusion of the graft, were not observed. Moreover, the histological stain evaluation revealed that the organization of the blood vessel wall, composed of collagen, smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells, is progressing on both sides of the graft surface.

抄録全体を表示