Investigation of biodegradable scaffolds for cardiovascular surgery

The search for polymer compositions for the preparation of biodegradable stents, cardiovascular patches, and other surgical implants is particularly important nowadays. In this study, we assessed the degradation rate of the scaffolds prepared from biodegradable polymers and evaluated the morphological alterations of the tissues surrounding the implant in animal model. We tested polyhydroxybutyrate/valerate (PHBV, molecular mass of 404 kDa), PHBV+poly(D,L-lactide), and PHBV+10% polycaprolactone (PCL). In addition, we compared the scaffolds prepared by either casting or electrospinning. The degradation rate of the scaffolds prepared by casting was significantly lower than that of their electrospun counterparts. In addition, the scaffold degradation rates of PHBV+poly(D,L-lactide) and PHBV+10% PCL compositions were higher and lower rate compared to PHBV alone.