3D Printing and Electrospinning of PLLA-co-CL/PDLA Blends for Cardiovascular Implants

Summary

Cardiovascular implants are held back by the shortage of materials that are simultaneously strong enough mechanically and biologically active enough to support endothelial function, discourage thrombosis and integrate over the long term. This study evaluates blends of poly[(L-lactide)-co-(ε-caprolactone)] with poly(D-lactide), processed by two complementary routes - 3D printing and electrospinning - and assesses their suitability as coverings for cardiovascular implants through material characterisation and endothelial cell interaction studies. Combining a printed structural element with an electrospun surface allows mechanical and biological requirements to be addressed separately within one construct.

Authors & Affiliations

• Hebah Alkhamis

  Institute of Active Polymers, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Teltow, Germany
• Anne Ritschel

  Institute of Functional Materials for Sustainability, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Germany
• Lennard K. Shopperly

  Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
• Sahar Salehi

  Institute of Food Science, Engineering Biointelligent Systems, Germany
• Axel T. Neffe

  Institute of Materials Chemistry, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, Germany
• Karolina Polak-Kraśna Corresponding

  Institute of Active Polymers, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Teltow, Germany

Linari Electrospinning Systems

Topics

Materials