Substrate Topography Modulate Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Phenotype in Proinflammatory Condition.

The clinical efficacy of "off the shelf" synthetic small-diameter vascular grafts (sSDVG) remains limited due to rapid occlusion from thrombosis and intimal hyperplasia (IH), driven by dysregulated vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) behavior after vascular injury. While luminal topography has been used to improve endothelialization, understanding the VSMC responses to topographies under proinflammatory conditions such as platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) exposure is critical for improving sSDVG patency. We hypothesized topographies could modulate VSMC behavior, even with PDGF-BB stimulation, and that the responses would vary by feature size and shape.

Development and characterization of PVA-zein/α-tocopherol nonwoven mats for functional wound dressing applications.

Wound healing poses significant clinical challenges due to issues like bacterial infections, oxidative stress, and the need for sustained therapeutic delivery. This study aimed to develop and characterize biocompatible nonwoven fibrous mats composed of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and zein encapsulating α-tocopherol for wound dressing applications. α-Tocopherol was nano-encapsulated in zein proteins using an antisolvent co-precipitation method, followed by its dispersion in PVA solutions.

The Effects of Biomimetic Surface Topography on Vascular Cells: Implications for Vascular Conduits.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide and represent a pressing clinical need. Vascular occlusions are the predominant cause of CVD and necessitate surgical interventions such as bypass graft surgery to replace the damaged or obstructed blood vessel with a synthetic conduit. Synthetic small-diameter vascular grafts (sSDVGs) are desired to bypass blood vessels with an inner diameter <6 mm yet have limited use due to unacceptable patency rates.

Fucoidan and microtopography on polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels guided axons and enhanced neuritogenesis of pheochromocytoma 12 (PC12) cells.

Artificial nerve grafts that support axon growth hold promises in promoting nerve regeneration and function recovery. However, current artificial nerve grafts are insufficient to regenerate axons across long nerve gaps. Specific biochemical and biophysical cues are required to be incorporated to artificial nerve grafts to promote neural cell adhesion and guide neurite outgrowth.

evaluation of compliance mismatch on intimal hyperplasia formation in small diameter vascular grafts.

Small diameter synthetic vascular grafts have high failure rate due to the thrombosis and intimal hyperplasia formation. Compliance mismatch between the synthetic graft and native artery has been speculated to be one of the main causes of intimal hyperplasia. However, changing the compliance of synthetic materials without altering material chemistry remains a challenge.