In vitro resistance of artificial connective tissues to human bile and pancreatic juice

The resistance of connective tissue generated from elastin, placenta extracts and human collagen was tested by in vitro incubation with bile and pancreatic juice to investigate the potential use in human digestive surgery. The resistance, determined by macroscopical and microscopical examinations, has been directly compared to those of bovine collagen matrices (Spongel, Pangen, Helistat, Translagen). Only the compact and cross-linked human collagen patch resisted both bile and pancreatic juice. All other biomaterials tested dissolved either in bile or in pancreatic juice. The in vivo behaviour of this new human collagen matrix and its involvement in gastrointestinal wound healing must now be investigated.