The surface microstructure of cusps and leaflets in rabbit and mouse heart valves

• Xia Ye,
• Bharat Bhushan,
• Ming Zhou and
• Weining Lei

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2014, 5, 622–629, doi:10.3762/bjnano.5.73

• Photonics Fabrication, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang Jiangsu 212013, China 10.3762/bjnano.5.73 Abstract In this investigation, scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize the microstructure on the surfaces of animal heart valve cusps/leaflets. The results showed that though these surfaces appear

• fabrication of valve substitutes or partial substitutes. Namely, the model may help ameliorate heart valve replacement surgery. Keywords: contact angle; geometric parameter; heart valve; hemocompatibility; microstructure; Introduction Bionics, or biomimetics, have made tremendous developments in the past

• ventricles, between the aorta and the left ventricle, and between the pulmonary artery and the right ventricle. These valves play a key role by forcing blood to flow in one direction through the heart and all blood vessels throughout the body. If valvular lesions occur a heart valve will need to be replaced