(Meth)acrylate-based photoelastomers as tailored biomaterials for artificial vascular grafts

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the western hemisphere. Currently available synthetic vascular conduits, like Dacron or ePTFE show excellent long-term results for large-caliber arterial reconstruction (aorta, iliac vessels) but when used for small diameter (<4 mm) vessel reconstruction, patency rates are extremely poor. We therefore aim at developing suitable blood vessel substitutes out of biocompatible photopolymer formulations, which can be printed by rapid prototyping. Rapid prototyping offers the possibility to create cellular structures within the grafts that favor the ingrowth of tissue. To meet the high requirements for artificial biomaterials, it is necessary to develop new resin formulations. Beside the biocompatibility, the mechanical properties—a low elastic modulus (500 kPa) at a relatively high tensile strength (1.0 MPa) and a high strain at break (130%)—play a central role. Resin systems containing cyanoethyl acrylate have shown to be highly reactive, have good mechanical properties and sufficient in vitro biocompatibility. Elastic modulus and tensile strength which should be similar to natural blood vessels were adjusted by the ratio of acrylate-based crosslinkers and—in case of hydrogels —the percentage of water. Finally, we were able to print small diameter conduits by microstereolithography. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 2664–2676, 2009