Characterization of Coaxially Electrospun Poly (L-Lactic) Acid/Chitosan with Heparin Modification as Patch Angioplasty Candidate

Atherosclerosis in the carotid artery is the leading cause of ischemic stroke. Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA) is a procedure of atherosclerosis plaque removal to prevent stenosis, which significantly reduces the risk of transient ischemic attack. Currently, the application of commercialized patch grafts in CEA has shown several disadvantages regarding its incompatibility with the carotid artery. Poly (L-Lactic) Acid (PLLA)/Chitosan (CS) electrospun fibers with heparin modification were fabricated as biocompatible patch graft through coaxial electrospinning with composition variations of 1:0; 1:2; 1:3; 1:4. Pre-synthesis measurement of viscosity and surface tension was conducted to optimize the electrospinnability of PLLA 10% and CS 3% (w/v). FTIR results confirmed the existence of each material's functional group. Physical and mechanical properties were enhanced along with the increased PLLA/CS ratio. The hydrophilicity was optimized by the 1:4 electrospun fibers, which reduced the contact angle to 27°. The 1:4 electrospun fibers also resulted in a suitable degradation rate within 72 days and desirable tensile strength at 3.864 with 24.8% elongation. According to the results, Poly (L-Lactic) Acid/Chitosan electrospun fibers have a promising potential as a patch angioplasty candidate.