Abstract:

Objective   To detect the physical characteristics and the biocompatibility of allogenic arteries cross-linked by dye-mediated photooxidation (DMP) and Genipin (GP) based on the former researches that biological tissue which have gone through different cross-linked methods will show up different biological properties. Methods   The thoracic arteries of New Zealand rabbits (with the inside vessel diameter of 4mm), according to different cross-linked methods, were divided into the DMP group, the GP group, the Glutaraldehyde(GA) group, and a control group was also established (which had not gone through any crosslinked treatment). After the arteries were cross-linked with different methods, tissue water content, heat shrinking temperature, breaking tenacity, and biocompatibility which had gone through the external hemolytic test were detected. Results   Morphological observation: The transmittance of the GP group and the GA group was reduced, while the elasticity and toughness were obviously enhanced. The transmittance of the DMP group was superior, while the elasticity and toughness were not enhanced; Tissue water content: control group>DMP group>GP group>GA group; Heat shrinking temperature: GA group>GP group>DMP group>control group; Breaking tenacity: GA group>GP group>DMP group>control group; Indices of external hemolytic: GA group>GP group>DMP group. Conclusions   Vascular materials cross-linked by dye-mediated photooxidation and Genipin have shown better physical characteristics and biocompatibility. So it is suitable for molding and implanting in human body.

Key words: Dye-mediated photooxidation; Genipin; Allogenic artery; Cross-linked