Polyurethane–Cardiolipin Nanoparticle-Modified Decellularized Scaffold-Based Vascular Patches for Tissue Engineering Applications

Vascular patches based on a decellularized scaffold (DCS) have received considerable attention for the treatment of vascular defects caused by cardiovascular diseases. In this work, we fabricated a polyurethane–cardiolipin/polyurethane composite film (PU–CL/PU) by cosedimentating PU–CL nanoparticles in a PU-saturated ethanol solution onto a PU film and evaluated the biocompatibility of the composite film. We also fabricated a PU–CL/PU/DCS vascular patch (CLVP) and investigated its in vivo performance in a mouse model. The PU–CL/PU film showed improved biocompatibility features, such as a prolonged in vitro coagulation time, improved nonhemolytic properties, enhanced resistance to platelet adhesion, reduced cytotoxicity, and enhanced affinity for endothelial progenitor cells. The B ultrasound and the Doppler spectrum results indicated that the CLVP maintained blood vessel patency 30 days after implantation. In addition, endothelialization at the surgical site was achieved. Therefore, the CLVP may have great potential for the treatment of diseased or damaged blood vessels.