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Effect of Microgroove Structure in PDMS-Based Silicone Implants on Biocompatibility
Yao Chen1, Xin Zhou1, Shuqing Huang1
1Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, The Army Medical University, Chong Qing, China.
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
|February 7, 2022
Summary
Surface microgrooves on silicone implants significantly impact capsule formation. Deeper, narrower grooves increase surface roughness, leading to thicker capsule envelopes, indicating poor histocompatibility. Appropriate grooves may reduce envelope thickness.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Surface Engineering
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Capsule contracture around implants is a significant clinical concern.
- The role of material surface physical topology in capsule formation is not fully understood.
- Investigating surface topography's influence on biological response is crucial for implant development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how different microgroove surface topologies on silicone implants affect protein adsorption, cell behavior, and capsule formation.
- To elucidate the relationship between surface roughness, microgroove dimensions, and the host's foreign body response.
- To identify surface characteristics that promote or inhibit capsule development.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of silicone materials with varying microgroove depths (10, 50 μm) and widths (50, 200 μm) using lithography.
- In vitro analysis using mass spectrometry, CCK-8, EdU assay, ELISA, Western blot, immunofluorescence, and RNA-seq to assess protein adsorption, cell adhesion, proliferation, and gene expression.
- In vivo study in rats to evaluate collagen deposition and capsule formation around implants.
Main Results:
- Microgroove structures significantly increased material surface roughness and water contact angle.
- Deeper, narrower grooves (50 μm depth, 50 μm width) reduced initial protein adsorption but promoted collagen deposition and thicker capsule formation.
- Surface roughness correlated with increased collagen deposition and envelope thickness, indicating poorer histocompatibility with specific microgroove patterns.
Conclusions:
- Micron-scale, deeper, and narrower grooves on silicone implants exhibit poor histocompatibility, leading to thicker capsule envelopes.
- Surface topography, specifically microgroove dimensions, critically regulates the foreign body response and capsule formation.
- Tailoring surface microtopology offers a potential strategy to control implant encapsulation and improve clinical outcomes.
