In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization of Biodegradable Reactive Isocyanate-Terminated Three-Armed- and Hyperbranched...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Meniscus tears represent a significant clinical challenge, often requiring surgical intervention.
• Current treatments may involve sutures or grafts, with limitations in healing and integration.
• Biodegradable tissue adhesives offer a minimally invasive alternative for tissue repair.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate novel biodegradable three-armed and hyperbranched block copolymeric adhesives for meniscus repair.
• To assess the physicochemical, adhesive, and degradation properties of these novel biomaterials.
• To investigate the in vivo tissue reaction and biocompatibility of the developed adhesives.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of three-armed and hyperbranched block copolymeric adhesives.
• Measurement of adhesive strength to meniscus tissue post-curing.
• Assessment of network tensile properties and in vitro/in vivo degradation over 26 weeks.
• Evaluation of subcutaneous tissue reaction in rats following injection.

Main Results:

• Adhesives demonstrated sufficient adhesive strength (66-88 kPa) for meniscus tissue.
• Networks from three-armed copolymers exhibited tensile properties comparable to human meniscus.
• Hyperbranched copolymer networks showed faster mass loss (25.4%) than three-armed (5.5%) after 26 weeks.
• Both adhesives induced an inflammatory response, but without necrosis and with only initial peripheral toxicity.

Conclusions:

• The developed biodegradable block copolymeric adhesives are suitable candidates for meniscus repair.
• The materials possess adequate adhesive and mechanical properties for tissue regeneration.
• Further investigation into optimizing degradation profiles and minimizing inflammatory responses is warranted.