Polysaccharide-based adhesive for biomedical applications: correlation between rheological behavior and adhesion.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Adhesion to biological tissues in physiological fluids presents a significant challenge for medical adhesives.
• Abdominal hernia repair often involves mesh implantation, with potential for postsurgical complications and pain.
• Current mesh fixation methods can be improved by utilizing effective bioadhesives to reduce invasiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel bioadhesive system for securing surgical meshes in abdominal hernia repair.
• To investigate the potential of chitosan and oxidized maltodextrin mixtures as a biocompatible adhesive.
• To correlate the rheological properties of the bioadhesive with its tissue adherence capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Formulation of bioadhesive solutions using varying concentrations of chitosan and oxidized maltodextrin.
• Characterization of rheological properties (viscoelasticity, gelation) of polysaccharide mixtures.
• Development of a specialized adhesion test to simulate in-situ conditions for mesh adherence assessment.
• Correlation analysis between rheological parameters and measured adherence strength.

Main Results:

• Mixtures of chitosan and oxidized maltodextrin formed viscoelastic solutions or hydrogels based on formulation parameters.
• An optimized adhesion test demonstrated the efficacy of the developed bioadhesive system.
• Optimal tissue adherence was observed for formulations exhibiting an intermediate rheological behavior between a viscoelastic solution and a hydrogel.

Conclusions:

• Chitosan and oxidized maltodextrin mixtures offer a promising platform for developing bioadhesives for surgical mesh fixation.
• The rheological profile of the bioadhesive is a critical factor determining its adhesive performance.
• This bioadhesive system has the potential to minimize pain and complications associated with abdominal hernia repair.