| Summary: | We have recently developed a nanocomposite based on polyhedral oligomeric silsesquixoane for medical device application for particular use in a microvascular network. Using spectroscopic analyses, we characterised the polymer before subjecting it to both in vitro and in vivo degradation. In the same setting, the foreign- body reaction of this polymer was determined. An in vitro feasibility study as to the efficacy of neo-endothelialisation was then performed. Next, the anti-thrombogenic nature of the nanocomposite was elicited. Based on the favourable outcomes of these experiments, nanocomposite microvessels were designed and fabricated to form the components of a microvascular network. Our results indicate that silsesquioxane is an optimal building material for microvascular grafts. This therefore constitutes the foundation on which we intend to construct an in vitro artificial capillary bed model.
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