Preparation of Poly(ε-caprolactone)/Poly(ester amide) Electrospun Membranes for Vascular Repair

With adjustable amphiphilicity and anionic/cationic charge, biodegradability and biocompatibility, amino acid-based poly(ester amide)s(PEAs) have drawn attention in the research of tissue engineered vascular grafts. In this work, L -phenylalanine-based PEAs with or without L -lysine were synthesized through polycondensation, and ultrafine fibrous grafts consisted of PEAs and poly( ε -caprolactone)(PCL) in given mass ratios were further prepared via blend electrospinning. Surface characterizations by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the chemical structure, and the wettability indicated that the prepared PCL/PEAs electrospun membranes exhibited less hydrophobic than PCL. Tensile results showed that the PCL/PEAs membranes possessed suitable mechanical properties, which could meet the requirements of artificial blood vessels. Cell culture and hemolytic tests exhibited that the PCL/PEAs electrospun membranes are biocompatible. In general, the electrospun grafts of PCL/PEAs could be applied for vascular repair.