Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
Fabrication of Size-Controlled and Emulsion-Free Chitosan-Genipin Microgels for Tissue Engineering Applications
Published on: April 13, 2022
Controlled release of transforming growth factor-beta receptor kinase inhibitor from thermosensitive Chitosan-based
Zhi-Yong Diao1, Hai-Liang Fu, Chun-Lei Nie
1Department of Plastic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China.
Background:
Capsular contracture has become the most common complication associated with breast implant. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is well known for a prominent role in fibrotic diseases. Due to the critical role of TGF-β in pathogenesis of capsular formation, we utilized thermosensitive C/GP hydrogel to controlled release of TGF-β receptor kinase inhibitor (SD208) and investigated their effects on capsular contracture.
Methods:
In vitro degradation and drug release of C/GP hydrogel were performed. Twenty-four rabbits underwent subpanniculus implantation with 30 ml smooth silicone implants and were randomly divided into four groups as follows: Group 1 received saline solution; Group 2 received SD208; Group 3 received SD208-C/GP; Group 4 received C/GP. At 8 weeks, the samples of capsular tissues were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistological staining. The mRNA expression of collagen III and TGF-β1 was detected by RT-PCR assay.
Results:
C/GP hydrogel could be applied as an ideal drug delivery vehicle which supported the controlled release of SD208. SD208-C/GP treatment showed a significant reduction in capsule thickness with fewer vessels. The histological findings confirmed that the lower amounts of inflammatory cells and fibroblasts infiltrate in SD208-C/GP group. In contrast, typical capsules with more vessel predominance were developed in control group. We did not observe the same inhibitory effect of SD208 or C/GP treatment on capsular contracture. Moreover, SD208-C/GP therapy yielded an evident down-regulation of collagen III and TGF-β1 mRNA expression.
Conclusions:
This study demonstrated that controlled release of TGF-β receptor kinase inhibitor from thermosensitive C/GP hydrogel could significantly prevent capsule formation after mammary implants.
