Evaluation of electro-spun tubular scaffolds to create an anastomosis using the cam assay

Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is a vascular disease characterized by thrombosis of the retinal veins that can eventually lead to ischemia. Ischemic CRVO can then cause macular degeneration and neovascular glaucoma causing partial to full blindness. In this study, we determined the feasibility of electrospinning tubular scaffolds for treating CRVO and vascular disease. Electrospinning was utilized to produce customizable scaffolds from nano-bers using collagen type I. Scaffolds were treated with glutaraldehyde, glycine, ethanol, UV light, and combinations of the treatments for the purpose cross-linking and to study their angiogenic effects. Structural properties of the scaffolds were analyzed with scanning electron micrsoscopy (SEM). Scaffolds were immobilized with human recombinant vascular endothelial growth factor (rhVEGF165) to investigate the drugdelivering abilities of the electrospun materials and as a method to produce vascularization. The chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay was used to examine the effects of VEGF immobilizations and to evaluate the feasibility of creating an anastomosis to treat CRVO. Collagen onplants (non-electrospun) and electrospun implants were made on day 10 of embryonic development. Findings show collagen loaded with rhVEGF165 had improved vasculature and pro-angiogenic properties. The present study suggests that collagen can immobilize and release growth factor, be electrospun to mimic the ultrastructure of native blood vessels, and holds promise for vascular tissue engineering.