Calcification currently represents a major cause of failure of biological tissue heart valves. It is a complex phenomenon influenced by a number of biochemical and mechanical factors. Recent advances in material science offer new polymers with improved properties, potentially suitable for synthetic leaflets heart valves manufacturing. In this study, the calcification-resistance efficacy and mechanical and surface properties of a new nanocomposite polymeric material (polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane-poly(carbonate-urea)urethane; POSS-PCU) which has been developed by our group are assessed by means of in vitro testing. In particular, thin sheets of nanocomposite, glutaraldehyde-fixed bovine pericardium (BP) and polyurethane (PU) were exposed to a calcium solution into a specially designed in vitro accelerated physiological pulsatile pressure system for a period of 31 days and a total of 4 × 107 cycles. The samples were investigated for signs of calcification after exposure to calcium solution by means of X-ray, microscopic and chemical inspections. Mechanical and surface properties were also studied using stress-strain behaviour and surface morphology and hydrophobicity. Comparison shows that, in the experimental conditions, the level of calcification for the nanocomposite is considerably lower than for the fixed BP (p = 0.008) and PU samples (p = 0.015). Also, mechanical properties were unchanged in POSS-PCU, while there was a significant deterioration in PU samples (p < 0.05). Hydrophobicity was significantly reduced in both the POSS-PCU and PU samples (p < 0.0001). However, the POSS-PCU nanocomposite remained more hydrophobic than the PU sample (p < 0.0001). Less platelet adhered to the POSS-PCU compared to the PU (p < 0.0001). These results indicate that the use of this nanocomposite in synthetic leaflets heart valves may lead to potential advantages in terms of long-term performances and durability. © 2010 Published by Elsevier Ltd. on behalf of Acta Materialia Inc.

Ghanbari H., Kidane A.G., Burriesci G., Ramesh B., Darbyshire A., Seifalian A.M. (2010). The anti-calcification potential of a silsesquioxane nanocomposite polymer under in vitro conditions: Potential material for synthetic leaflet heart valve. ACTA BIOMATERIALIA, 6(11), 4249-4260 [10.1016/j.actbio.2010.06.015].

The anti-calcification potential of a silsesquioxane nanocomposite polymer under in vitro conditions: Potential material for synthetic leaflet heart valve

Burriesci G.;
2010-01-01

Abstract

Calcification currently represents a major cause of failure of biological tissue heart valves. It is a complex phenomenon influenced by a number of biochemical and mechanical factors. Recent advances in material science offer new polymers with improved properties, potentially suitable for synthetic leaflets heart valves manufacturing. In this study, the calcification-resistance efficacy and mechanical and surface properties of a new nanocomposite polymeric material (polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane-poly(carbonate-urea)urethane; POSS-PCU) which has been developed by our group are assessed by means of in vitro testing. In particular, thin sheets of nanocomposite, glutaraldehyde-fixed bovine pericardium (BP) and polyurethane (PU) were exposed to a calcium solution into a specially designed in vitro accelerated physiological pulsatile pressure system for a period of 31 days and a total of 4 × 107 cycles. The samples were investigated for signs of calcification after exposure to calcium solution by means of X-ray, microscopic and chemical inspections. Mechanical and surface properties were also studied using stress-strain behaviour and surface morphology and hydrophobicity. Comparison shows that, in the experimental conditions, the level of calcification for the nanocomposite is considerably lower than for the fixed BP (p = 0.008) and PU samples (p = 0.015). Also, mechanical properties were unchanged in POSS-PCU, while there was a significant deterioration in PU samples (p < 0.05). Hydrophobicity was significantly reduced in both the POSS-PCU and PU samples (p < 0.0001). However, the POSS-PCU nanocomposite remained more hydrophobic than the PU sample (p < 0.0001). Less platelet adhered to the POSS-PCU compared to the PU (p < 0.0001). These results indicate that the use of this nanocomposite in synthetic leaflets heart valves may lead to potential advantages in terms of long-term performances and durability. © 2010 Published by Elsevier Ltd. on behalf of Acta Materialia Inc.
2010
Ghanbari H., Kidane A.G., Burriesci G., Ramesh B., Darbyshire A., Seifalian A.M. (2010). The anti-calcification potential of a silsesquioxane nanocomposite polymer under in vitro conditions: Potential material for synthetic leaflet heart valve. ACTA BIOMATERIALIA, 6(11), 4249-4260 [10.1016/j.actbio.2010.06.015].
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/10447/667572
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