Degradation and in vivo evaluation of polycaprolactone, poly(ε-caprolactone-co-L-lactide), and poly-L-lactic acid as scaffold sealant polymers for murine tissue-engineered vascular grafts

Aim: This study evaluates scaffold degradation and neotissue formation as a function of sealant polymer composition in tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs). Materials & methods: Scaffolds fabricated from polyglycolic acid core and sealant composed of polycaprolactone (PCL), poly-L-lactic-acid (PLLA) or 50:50 copolymer poly(epsilon-caprolactone-co-L-lactide) (PCLA) were analyzed in vitro using accelerated degradation and scanning electron microscopy, and in vivo following implantation in a murine inferior vena cava interposition model. Results:In vitro and in vivo characterization revealed statistically greater degradation of PCLA compared with both PCL and PLLA scaffolds, with similar neotissue formation across all groups. The wall thickness of PLLA TEVGs was statistically greater than PCL TEVGs at 2 weeks postimplant. Conclusion: Results of this study can be used to inform the rational design of future TEVGs.