Fabrication and characterization of nanofibrous tricuspid valve scaffold based on polyurethane for heart valve tissue engineering

Objective(s): Tissue engineering represents a new approach to solve the current complications of the heart valve replacements by offering viable valve prosthesis with growth and remodeling capability. In this project, electrospinning and dip coating techniques were used to fabricate heart valve constructs from medical grade polyurethane (PU). Methods: First, a mold of tricuspid valve was dip coated in a PU solution, except for its valvular parts. Then, PU nanofibers were electrospun on the dip coated mold to form the valves.  The morphology and diameter of nanofibers were investigated by SEM and contact angle measurements were done to evaluate the wettability of scaffolds. Thereafter, a tensile tester machine was used to assess mechanical properties of nanofibrous scaffolds. Then, the HUVEC cell line was cultured on the surface of scaffolds. Results: The SEM images showed the proper nanofibrous structure of the prepared scaffolds. Also, the obtained structure demonstrated appropriate tensile properties. Based on direct and indirect MTT, DAPI staining and SEM results, nanofibers were biocompatible and cells attached to the surface of the scaffolds, properly. Conclusions: This study demonstrated polyurethane-based nanofibrous scaffolds for engineering artificial heart valve. The presented scaffold provides temporary support for cells prior to generation of extracellular matrix (ECM).