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3D-Bioprinted Inflammation Modulating Polymer Scaffolds for Soft Tissue Repair
Crystal S Shin1, Fernando J Cabrera1, Richard Lee1
1Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|December 16, 2020
Summary
This study introduces a novel polymer scaffold that modulates inflammation for soft tissue repair. The biomaterial scaffold effectively reduces inflammation and prevents adhesions, minimizing postsurgical complications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Current soft tissue repair meshes cause inflammation, leading to visceral adhesions and complications.
- A need exists for advanced biomaterials that modulate the inflammatory response during soft tissue repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate an inflammation-modulating biomaterial scaffold for soft tissue repair.
- To minimize postsurgical complications such as visceral adhesions.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a biomaterial scaffold using 3D-bioprinting of in situ phosphate crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol).
- In vivo evaluation in a rat ventral hernia model.
- Analysis of proinflammatory cytokine expression and histopathology.
Main Results:
- The biomaterial scaffold effectively sequestered proinflammatory cytokines, acting as an 'inflammation trap'.
- Local inflammation was modulated without exogenous anti-inflammatory agents.
- Significant inhibition of visceral adhesions and reduction in postsurgical complications were observed.
Conclusions:
- The developed biomaterial scaffold successfully modulates inflammation and reduces postsurgical complications in soft tissue repair.
- This novel scaffold offers a promising alternative to current meshes, improving hernia repair outcomes.
