A phlorotannins-loaded homogeneous acellular matrix film modulates post-implantation inflammatory responses

Peritendinous adhesion mainly occurs between proliferating fibrous tissues and adjacent normal organs after surgery. Many physical barriers are applied to the implanted site to prevent peritendinous adhesion. However, these barriers often trigger inflammatory responses. Therefore, our study sought to develop phlorotannins-loaded cartilage acellular matrix (CAM) films as a physical barrier and investigate their inhibitory effect on inflammatory responses, which are associated with the induction of postoperative peritendinous adhesion (PAA). Our findings indicated that incorporating phlorotannin into the CAM film did not affect its unique characteristics including its thermal and spectroscopic properties. Moreover, the phlorotannins-loaded CAM films suppressed the expression of inflammatory mediators on RAW 264.7 macrophages stimulated using Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharides and exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect when implanted subcutaneously in rats. Therefore, our results highlight the potential of phlorotannins-loaded CAM films as a promising physical barrier to prevent PAA.