Silk Fibroin/DegraPol: A Biohybrid Polymer for Biodegradable Electrospun Cardiovascular Substitutes

Thimm, Benjamin W.; Smith, Robin; Grab, Maximilian; Thierfelder, Nikolaus; Zilla, Peter; Theron, Jaco; Bezuidenhout, Deon (2025): Silk Fibroin/DegraPol: A Biohybrid Polymer for Biodegradable Electrospun Cardiovascular Substitutes. Advances in Materials Science and Engineering (1): 5097361. ISSN 1687-8442

Abstract

This study introduces a biodegradable silk-fibroin/DegraPol DP30 (SF-DP30) hybrid scaffold for heart-valve replacement and wider cardiovascular tissue engineering. By coupling SF’s tensile strength with DP30’s elasticity and controlled degradation, we targeted a construct that withstands cyclic loading while supporting cell integration. Mechanical testing of electrospun sheets and tri-leaflet prototypes showed tensile strength of 0.4–1.1 MPa, toughness of 0.1–0.6 MJ m−3, and strain of 12%–90%, with 10 wt.% SF/90 wt.% DP30 blends offering the most balanced performance. Pulse-duplicator assays revealed orifice areas, pressure gradients, and closing dynamics equivalent to CE-approved polymeric and bioprosthetic valves, confirming hydrodynamic suitability. In vitro, cocultured human endothelial and fibroblast cells achieved confluent coverage, pore infiltration, and expression of vWF and CD31, indicating a hospitable microenvironment for endothelialization and remodeling. Key translational hurdles persist. Long-term risks of calcification, thrombogenicity, and inflammatory degradation must be quantified in large-animal models. The current reliance on the cytotoxic solvent hexafluoroisopropanol would complicate regulatory approval, necessitating greener processing routes such as benign-solvent or melt-electrospinning methods. Extended studies of degradation kinetics, immune modulation, and hemocompatibility are especially critical for pediatric implants that must accommodate somatic growth. Overall, SF-DP30 scaffolds combine mechanical resilience with demonstrated cytocompatibility, positioning them as promising—but not yet clinically validated—candidates for next-generation cardiovascular implants.

• Dokumententyp: Artikel (Klinikum der LMU)
• Organisationseinheit (Fakultäten): 07 Medizin > Klinikum der LMU München > Herzchirurgische Klinik und Poliklinik
• DFG-Fachsystematik der Wissenschaftsbereiche: Lebenswissenschaften
• DFG: Gefördert durch die Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - 407611801
• DFG: Gefördert durch die Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - 491502892