Progenitor-derived endothelial cell response, platelet reactivity and haemocompatibility parameters indicate the potential of NaOH-treated polycaprolactone for vascular tissue engineering.

The haemocompatibility of NaOH-treated poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) has been evaluated in vitro by analysing several parameters, including plasma recalcification time, whole blood clotting time and platelet adhesion/activation. NaOH-treated PCL films showed a significant decrease in the clot formation speed and a reduced number of adhered platelets, which mainly exhibited non-activated morphologies. Furthermore, mature endothelial cells derived from peripheral endothelial progenitor cells were cultured on the polymer to investigate the effects of the endothelial lining on polymer haemocompatibility. Interestingly, cells cultured on NaOH-treated PCL films showed a significant stimulation of NO production. Although further research is required, NaOH treatment could be an interesting and simple strategy to modify PCL-based materials in order to enhance endothelial NO production, where compromised, and provide a better interaction of the scaffold with the blood components. In conclusion, these results reinforce the use of NaOH-treated PCL as a haemocompatible polymer for vascular tissue-engineering applications.