Extracellular matrices for gastrointestinal surgery: ex vivo testing and current applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Gastroenterology
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Extracellular matrices (ECMs) are vital for tissue regeneration.
• Understanding ECMs' resistance to digestive enzymes is crucial for gastrointestinal applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the in vitro effects of bile and pancreatic juice on the structural and mechanical properties of various ECMs.

Main Methods:

• Small intestinal submucosa (SIS), porcine dermal matrix (PDM), porcine pericardial matrix (PPM), and bovine pericardial matrix (BPM) were exposed to human bile and pancreatic juice.
• Macroscopic observation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mechanical resistance testing were employed.

Main Results:

• PDM degraded within 4 days in digestive juices.
• SIS, PPM, and BPM retained structural integrity for over 60 days.
• Bile exhibited a more detrimental effect on mechanical stability than pancreatic juice across all tested materials.
• SIS showed less distinct mechanical stability loss compared to PPM and BPM when exposed to digestive secretions.
• SEM revealed more structural damage in SIS exposed to bile than pancreatic juice, while PPM and BPM showed comparable damage in both.

Conclusions:

• Porcine dermal matrix (PDM) is less suitable for supporting gastrointestinal healing.
• Small intestinal submucosa (SIS), porcine pericardial matrix (PPM), and bovine pericardial matrix (BPM) warrant further experimental evaluation for gastrointestinal applications.