In vitro and in vivo characterization of synthetic polymer/biopolymer composites

Collagen, extracted from rat tail tendons using dilute acetic acid, was fabricated into films for subsequent characterization and biocompatibility testing. The reconstituted collagen was characterized with infrared spectroscopy, solution viscosity, contact angle, and tensile testing techniques and was found to be pure with molecular and physical properties consistent with findings of previous researchers. Composites composed of collagen coated on urethane and Silastic Rubber films were fabricated to give improved tear resistance. The biocompatibility of the composites and individual polymers was evaluated by discs implanted in the paravertebral muscle of rabbits. After four weeks none of the materials induced any gross changes in the muscle. Histopathological evaluation revealed a fibrous capsule around all of the materials. Collagen and collagen composites exhibited a stronger reaction as evidenced by a larger fibroblast layer and a variety of inflammatory cells, lymphocytes, eosinophils, and macrophages. The urethane was rated with a response index of 1.5 versus 3.25 for the urethane/collagen composite; Silastic Rubber rated a response index of 1.67 versus 3.12 for the Silastic Rubber/collagen composite; collagen rated a response index of 3.3. The polyester sutures also induced a reaction with a larger fibrous capsule but fewer inflammatory cells as compared to collagen and collagen composites.