Construction and evaluation of co-electrospun poly (butylene succinate)/gelatin materials as potential vascular grafts

Abstract In this study, a series of poly (butylene succinate) (PBSU)/gelatin composites were prepared by electrospinning. The morphology, physicochemical analysis, biomechanical properties, biocompatibility, and biodegradability of the materials were evaluated. The results showed that the ultimate tensile stress of the vascular PBSU/gelatin grafts at (95/5), (90/10), (85/15), and (80/20) was (4.17±0.54) MPa, (3.81±0.44) MPa, 2.94±0.69 MPa and 2.11±0.72 MPa respectively, and the burst pressure was (282.7±22.3) kPa, (295.3±3.9) kPa, (306.8±13.9) kPa and (307.6±9.0) kPa respectively, which met the requirements of tissue-engineered blood vessels. Furthermore, the addition of gelatin improved the hydrophilicity and degradation properties of PBSU, thus enhancing cell adhesion and promoting the inward growth of vascular smooth muscle cells. In summary, the research in this paper provides a useful reference for the preparation and optimization of vascular scaffolds.