A novel two-component, expandable bioadhesive for exposed defect coverage: Applicability to prenatal procedures

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Fetal Surgery

Background:

• Spina bifida repair presents challenges in liquid environments.
• Novel bioadhesive composites offer potential solutions for enhanced adhesion control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test the properties of a novel, expandable bioadhesive composite.
• To evaluate its adhesion control in liquid environments for potential spina bifida repair.

Main Methods:

• Surgical creation of spina bifida in rabbit fetuses (n=23).
• Application of a two-component hydrogel (alginate-polyacrylamide-chitosan).
• Hydraulic pressure testing and histological analysis post-euthanasia.

Main Results:

• Hydrogel adhesion achieved in 70% of fetuses, improving with procedural optimization.
• Adherent hydrogels showed a median two-fold increase in area.
• Failure pressure exceeded typical neonatal cerebrospinal fluid pressures.

Conclusions:

• The novel bioadhesive composite enables stable, selective attachment to spina bifida defects.
• The hydrogel expands with the defect, maintaining coverage.
• This composite is a potential alternative for prenatal repair of spina bifida and other congenital anomalies.