Fabrication of collagen-coated biodegradable polymer nanofiber mesh and its potential for endothelial cells growth

Endothelialization of biomaterials is a promising way to prevent intimal hyperplasia of small-diameter vascular grafts. The aim of this study was to design a nanofiber mesh (NFM) that facilitates viability, attachment and phenotypic maintenance of human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs). Collagen-coated poly(l-lactic acid)-co-poly(ε-caprolactone) P(LLA-CL 70:30) NFM with a porosity of 64–67% and a fiber diameter of 470±130 nm was fabricated using electrospinning followed by plasma treatment and collagen coating. The structure of the NFM was observed by SEM and TEM, and mechanical property was studied by tensile test. The presence of collagen on the P(LLA-CL) NFM surface was verified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and quantified by colorimetric method. Spatial distribution of the collagen in the NFM was visualized by labelling with fluorescent probe. The collagen-coated P(LLA-CL) NFM enhanced the spreading, viability and attachment of HCAECs, and moreover, preserve HCAEC's phenotype. The P(LLA-CL) NFM is a potential material for tissue engineered vascular graft.