Rivaroxaban-Loaded Electrospun Polycaprolactone Scaffolds for Enhancing Small-Diameter Arteriovenous Graft Performance

Thrombosis remains a major limitation in the long-term functionality of small-diameter arteriovenous (AV) grafts, particularly in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). To address this clinical challenge, we developed a novel, scalable electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) tubular scaffold incorporating Rivaroxaban (RIV), a direct oral anticoagulant, for localized and sustained drug delivery. This dual-function graft is engineered to provide targeted anticoagulation while simultaneously enhancing hemocompatibility and mitigating the thrombogenicity associated with conventional vascular graft materials. The scaffolds were systematically characterized for their morphological, physicochemical, and mechanical properties, as well as drug loading efficiency, encapsulation capacity, and sustained release kinetics. In vitro cytocompatibility was assessed using human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), confirming the absence of cytotoxic effects and supporting cell attachment and proliferation. Comprehensive characterization techniques—including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile testing, and UV–Vis spectrophotometry—validated the scaffold's structural, chemical, and functional performance.