A novel perfluoroelastomer seeded with adipose-derived stem cells for soft-tissue repair

There is a need for engineered soft tissue in reconstructive surgery, particularly after tumor removal. An ideal implant that will provide structural support and a favorable environment for growing cells is a key element in the process of tissue engineering. Nonbiodegradable materials that become well incorporated within the new tissue are a good solution, but many such materials do not have a surface favorable for cell adherence and proliferation. The authors hypothesized that the modification of the pore size in a novel fluoropolymer would improve the adherence and enhance the proliferation of adipose-derived stem cells.

Fluoropolymers with two varying pore size ranges were examined. Fluoropolymer compound U48 (pore size, 100 to 180 microm) and fluoropolymer compound P54 (pore size, 10 to 55 microm) were seeded with human adipose-derived stem cells, and cell adherence to the material was measured after 4 hours and cell proliferation was measured after 72 hours. Cell-seeded constructs were implanted subcutaneously in a nude mouse model for 30 days.

Fluoropolymer surface treatment with fibronectin improved the attachment of adipose-derived stem cells to the well plates but did not improve attachment to the fluoropolymer, regardless of pore size. Fluoropolymer U48 increases the adherence and provides a favorable surface for proliferation of adipose-derived stem cells.

After subcutaneous implantation into nude mice, tissue growth was observed in the fluoropolymer samples with the larger pore size. The characteristics of this new material will allow for future clinical applications in plastic and reconstructive surgery.