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Biodegradation study in FBS media of polycaprolactone patch as a potential prenatal treatment for myelomeningocele
K Benabdderrahmane1, J Stirnemann2,3, S Ramtani1
1BEST/CB3S, UMR CNRS 7244, Institut Galilée, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Villetaneuse, France.
Abstract:
Myelomeningocele (MMC) is a congenital defect of the spine characterized by meningeal and spinal cord protrusion through open vertebral archs, and its exposure to the amniotic fluid. Given that the progression of neuronal loss begins early in fetal life, an early coverage of the defect is required to improve the neurological outcomes. Several studies have proposed patches as an alternative to full surgical repair, to achieve an early protection of the spine and possibly reduce the rate of complications of current prenatal surgical procedures. In our previous work, we developed a biocompatible, watertight and biodegradable patch to improve in utero MMC repair. This patch offers an anti-adhesive internal surface to prevent adhesion to spinal cord tissue, and a bioactive external surface to promote tissue coverage. The aim of this study is to assess the patch's in vitro degradation in an amniotic-fluid-like medium and investigate the surface functionalization effect, to understand its mechanism and predict the patch's behavior over time. The study was carried out for 24 weeks in FBS medium and after each period the samples were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, steric exclusion chromatography, toluidine blue assay and contact angle measurement. The results revealed a progression of PCL hydrolysis over time, characterized by a decrease in molar mass and evidence of erosion as observed by SEM. Furthermore, this process appears to be accelerated by ozonation, compared to surface functionalization without ozonation. The latter can be considered as the most suitable technique to preserve the patch structure over time, while benefiting from the grafting polymers properties during the first weeks of implantation.
Insights
This study evaluates a novel biodegradable patch for fetal myelomeningocele (MMC) repair. Ozonation accelerates patch degradation, while non-ozonated functionalization better preserves structure for early implantation benefits.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Fetal Surgery
Background:
- Myelomeningocele (MMC) is a severe congenital spinal defect requiring early intervention to prevent neurological damage.
- Current prenatal surgical repair methods carry risks; biodegradable patches offer a promising alternative for in utero MMC treatment.
- A previously developed patch features anti-adhesive internal and bioactive external surfaces for improved fetal spinal repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the in vitro degradation of a novel biodegradable patch in an amniotic fluid-like medium over 24 weeks.
- To investigate the effect of surface functionalization, specifically ozonation, on the patch's degradation and structural integrity.
- To understand the patch's degradation mechanism and predict its behavior during in utero implantation.
Main Methods:
- The patch was incubated in FBS medium simulating amniotic fluid for 24 weeks.
- Characterization techniques included differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), steric exclusion chromatography, toluidine blue assay, and contact angle measurement.
- Degradation was assessed by monitoring changes in molar mass, surface erosion (SEM), and material properties.
Main Results:
- Polycaprolactone (PCL) hydrolysis and erosion of the patch progressed over 24 weeks, indicated by decreased molar mass and SEM observations.
- Ozonation significantly accelerated the degradation process compared to non-ozonated surface functionalization.
- Non-ozonated functionalization demonstrated better preservation of patch structure over time, while still offering benefits from grafted polymers in early stages.
Conclusions:
- The biodegradable patch undergoes hydrolysis and erosion in an amniotic fluid-like environment.
- Surface functionalization technique impacts degradation rate; non-ozonated functionalization is preferable for long-term structural integrity.
- Non-ozonated functionalized patches may offer a balance between structural preservation and therapeutic benefits for in utero myelomeningocele repair.
