Osmotically induced tissue expansion with hydrogels: a new dimension in tissue expansion? A preliminary report

The possibility of using an osmotically-driven system for effective tissue expansion has been verified. As a biocompatible and efficient system, a copolymer of methylmethacrylate and vinylpyrrolidone is used in animal research (rats). This hydrogel was able to generate, in vitro, a physical swelling pressure of approximately 235 mm Hg. The range of possible volume expansion in solutions of differing concentrations was 3 to 30 times its water-free gel form. In animal experiments a high biocompatibility and efficiency in tissue expansion can be observed.