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Polypropylene IUCD retrieval fibers: surface morphology, material properties, microbial attachment, and migration
R W Coughlin1, R F Vieth, A T DiBenedetto
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Materials Science, Storrs, Connecticut.
Journal of Applied Biomaterials : an Official Journal of the Society for Biomaterials
|July 1, 1992
Summary
Polypropylene fibers in intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs) can support pathogenic bacteria. Optimizing fiber manufacturing processes can prevent bacterial colonization and improve device durability.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Microbiology
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Polypropylene fibers are utilized as retrieval threads in Copper-7 intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs).
- The surface characteristics and bacterial interactions of these fibers are critical for device safety and efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the surface morphology and crystallinity of IUCD polypropylene retrieval threads with fibers produced under varied conditions.
- To investigate the potential for pathogenic vaginal bacteria to colonize and migrate on polyolefin fibers.
Main Methods:
- Scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze surface morphology.
- X-ray diffraction was employed to assess crystallinity.
- In vitro experiments demonstrated bacterial colonization and migration on polypropylene fibers.
Main Results:
- Highly drawn and oriented polypropylene fibers from IUCDs exhibited surface fibrillation and a tendency to multifilament separation.
- Pathogenic bacteria commonly found in the human vagina were shown to colonize the surface of polyolefin fibers.
- The IUCD retrieval threads appeared to facilitate bacterial migration across agar surfaces.
Conclusions:
- Controlling the drawing and annealing processes during polypropylene fiber manufacturing can mitigate surface fibrillation and multifilament failure.
- Understanding and controlling fiber surface properties are essential to prevent bacterial colonization and migration, potentially improving IUCD safety.