Promoting Endothelialization of Polymeric Cardiovascular Biomaterials

Abstract

The lack of a blood compatible synthetic interface is one of the largest unaddressed challenges in the field of biomaterials science. This technological shortcoming hinders the successful clinical application of small diameter vascular grafts and other cardiovascular devices such as stents and artificial heart valves. Therefore, intensive research activities are ongoing to develop polymer materials with improved blood compatibility. One attractive strategy to improve the blood compatibility of an interface is to design surfaces that promote the development of an endothelium, the monolayer of endothelial cells that line our native vasculature and is responsible for blood compatibility. This a..