Effect of PLGA Nano-Fiber/Film Composite on HUVECs for Vascular Graft Scaffold

Abstract

Potential application of the PLGA nanofiber/ film composite for vascular tissue regeneration was examined. The composite was prepared by solvent-casting and electro-spinning method. The PLGA nano-fiber was coated on the surface of the prepared PLGA film. The surface of the composite film was characterized by contact angle measurement and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The film made by only nano-fiber showed more hydrophobic than control (PLGA film made by solvent-casting); however, optimal amount of nano fibers coating could assist cell adhesion and spreading on the film. For human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) proliferation on 6-day culture, the NF-30 (30min. nano-fiber spread specimen) composite was 1.5 times more cells proliferated than that of the NFO-1h (nano-fiber only specimen). The SEM images showed that the HUVECs on the NF-30 specimen spread widely than the other groups. The result indicates that the nano-fibers on films have an effect on cell adhesion and spreading because the adequate amount of nano-fibers on the surface of the films provide similar structure to natural ECM morphology. Conclusively, nanofiber/ film composite provided an adequate environment for cell proliferation and showed the potential application for vascular tissue regeneration. © 2009 International Federation of Medical and Biological Engineering.