Self-endothelialisation potential of a novel nanocomposite material for development of cardiovascular implant: the role of progenitor stem cells

Bio- and haemocompatibility are determining factors in biomedical application of the synthetic materials. In cardiovascular system, endothelial layer provides a natural anti-thrombogenic surface in the inner side of the vessels. For the synthetic materials, therefore, capability to attract and retain endothelial cells or endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) and ultimately to create endothelial layer on its surface is an attractive solution to improve hemocompatibility.Wehave developed a new nanocomposite polymer, based on polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane nanoparticle and polycarbonate urea urethane (POSS-PCU) for cardiovascular application with improved biocompatibility and biostability. In this study we assessed the endothelialisation potential of this nanocomposite from EPC human from peripheral blood.