Fabrication and evaluation of tissue engineering vascular scaffolds based on biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters

As initial step for developing tissue-engineered vascular autografts, a novel series of biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters were synthesized and tubular scaffolds were fabricated. Cytotoxicity, adhesion and growth of different kinds of cells on the polyester films and in vivo biocompatibility have been evaluated. The results indicate that these copolyesters possess good biocompatibility. Canine bone marrow cells were seeded on the scaffolds and cultured in a bioreactor for 3 days. A confluent, adherent monolayer bone marrow cells was observed in the scaffold lumen. All the testing results suggest that these copolyesters might ultimately find applications for vascular tissue engineering. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.