Related Experiment Videos
Tissue response to commercial silicone and polyurethane elastomers after different sterilization procedures
Y Z Zhang1, L M Bjursten, C Freij-Larsson
1Department of Experimental Research, Malmö General Hospital, Lund University, Sweden.
Biomaterials
|December 1, 1996
Summary
This study compared silicone and polyurethane (PUR) implants in rats, finding PUR degraded after sterilization and implantation. Early tissue responses differed, with silicone causing more reaction, but this effect diminished over time.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Understanding polymer surface properties is crucial for predicting biological responses to implants.
- Commercial silicone and polyurethane (PUR) are widely used biomaterials with distinct chemical and physical characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between surface characteristics of silicone and PUR and their biological response after implantation.
- To evaluate the impact of different sterilization methods (beta irradiation, ethylene oxide, steam) on polymer integrity and subsequent tissue interaction.
Main Methods:
- Specimens of silicone and PUR were sterilized using three methods and implanted in rats for 10 and 90 days.
- Surface chemical composition and morphology were analyzed pre- and post-implantation.
- Biological response was assessed by quantifying cellular infiltration (macrophages, giant cells, fibroblasts) and measuring fibrous capsule thickness.
Main Results:
- Polyurethane (PUR) surfaces showed degradation (pits, cracks) post-sterilization and implantation, particularly with ethylene oxide sterilization.
- Early (10-day) implantation revealed differences in capsule thickness and cell adhesion, with silicone inducing a greater tissue response than PUR.
- Despite initial differences, biological responses and tissue encapsulation became similar for both materials by 90 days, indicating a steady state.
Conclusions:
- Sterilization and implantation induce degradation in PUR, affecting its surface properties.
- While initial tissue response varies between silicone and PUR, long-term implantation leads to comparable biological integration.
- Sterilization method had minimal impact on the overall biological response observed in this study.