Cross-linking Effect in Bovine Gelatin and PCL Scaffolds Prepared by Sequential Electrospinning and Co-electrospinning for Potential Use as Vascular Grafts

Vascular replacement for vessels with diameter smaller than 6 mm prepared with non-biodegradable polymers present complications due to their low biocompatibility, leading to thrombotic occlusion and intimal hyperplasia. Currently, biodegradable polymeric materials of synthetic and natural origin are an alternative for the design of porous walls that provide a biological microenvironment that facilitates the development of a new tissue. Among these polymers, bovine gelatin, derived from the hydrolysis of collagen, is low cost protein which guarantees an adequate biocompatibility. Nevertheless, due to its low resistance in aqueous environments, chemical treatments are required to improve its resistance. Furthermore, glutaraldehyde (GA) cross-linking is widely used because of its high efficiency and low cost. In this study was evaluated the effect of cross-linking by GA on membranes composed of bovine gelatin and polycaprolactone (PCL), prepared by sequential electrospinning and co-electrospinning. Morphological characteristics were observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), wettability was determined with contact angle and strength of tubular scaffolds were circumferentially tested. The results showed that the cross-linking had a higher effect on the scaffolds that are obtained by sequential electrospinning compared to co-electrospinning due to the exposure of the bovine gelatin in each type of method.