ABSTRACTBiomaterials that successfully integrate into surrounding tissue should match not only the tissue's mechanical properties, but also the dimensions of the associated nano-structured extra-cellular matrix (ECM) components. The goal of this research was to use these ideals to develop a synthetic, nano-structured, polymeric biomaterial that has cytocompatible and mechanical behaviors similar to that of natural vascular tissue. In a novel manner, poly-lactic acid/polyglycolic acid (PLGA) (50/50 wt.% mix) and polyurethane were separately synthesized to possess a range of fiber dimensions in the micron and nanometer regime. Preliminary results indicated that decreasing fiber diameter on both PLGA and PU enhanced arterial smooth muscle cell adhesion; specifically, arterial smooth muscle cell adhesion increased 23% when PLGA fiber dimensions decreased from 500 to 50 nm and increased 76% on nano-structured, compared to conventional structured, polyurethane. However, nano-structured PLGA decreased endothelial cell adhesion by 52%, whereas adhesion of these same cells was increased by 50% on polyurethane. For these reasons, the present in vitro study provides the first evidence that polymer fiber dimensions can be used to selectively control cell functions for vascular prosthesis.
Extracellular Matrix Components and Integrins in the Control of Arterial Smooth Muscle Cell Structure and Function
