Engineering of heart valve tissue using myofibroblasts derived from rat artery seeded on PCLTF scaffold - Preliminary study

Abstract

This study is to focus on the suitability of biodegradable poly(caprolactone-trifumarate) (PCLTF) scaffold on the engineering of heart valve tissue. Previously, the novel scaffold created by Yoke Chin Chai has proven compatible for bone tissue formation, using rat bone marrow-derived osteoblasts. This project is to synthesize identical PCLTF scaffold to be tested on myofibroblasts derived from rat peripheral arteries. Three investigations will be carried out to confirm the formation of identical structure: 1) Scanning Electron Microscopy to check the presence of double-bond groups in PCL backbone, 2) Compression test using Instron, and 3) Biodegradation and swelling behavior in PBS solution. Once seeded on the PCLTF scaffold, the compatibility of the construct shall be evaluated by performing the following tests on each time-point of incubations: 1) Qualitative evaluation using H&E Staining and SEM microscopic visual, and 2) Quantitative evaluation by lyophilizing samples to determine the total DNA, hydroxyproline, and glycosaminoglycans contents. © 2008 Springer-Verlag.