Improving arterial prosthesis neo-endothelialization: Application of a proactive VEGF construct onto PTFE surfaces

The formation of a confluent endothelium on expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) vascular prostheses has never been observed. This lack of endothelialization is known to be one of the main reasons leading to the development of thromboses and/or intimal hyperplasia. In this context, several efforts were put forward to promote endothelial cell coverage on the internal surface of synthetic vascular prostheses. The goal of the present study was to immobilize the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) onto Teflon® PTFE surfaces to generate a proactive polymer construct favoring interaction with endothelial cells. An ammonia plasma treatment was first used to graft amino groups on PTFE films. Subsequent reactions were performed to covalently bind human serum albumin (HSA) on the polymer surface and to load this protein with negative charges, which allows adsorbtion of VEGF onto HSA via strong electrostatic interactions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) experiments along with surface derivatization strategies were performed between each synthesis step to ascertain the occurrence of the various molecules surface immobilization. Finally, the electrostatic binding of VEGF to the negatively charged HSA matrix was performed and validated by ELISA. Endothelial cell adhesion and migration experiments were carried out to validate the potential of this VEGF-containing biological construct to act as a proactive media toward the development of endothelial cells.