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Solubility study of albumin solders for laser tissue-welding
A Lauto1, D P Poppas, G A Murrell
1The New York Hospital-Cornell University Medical Center, New York 10021, USA. pisani@hotmail.com
Background/Objective:
Current albumin solders for tissue-welding are soluble in physiological fluids, prior to laser irradiation. These solders are therefore subjected to mechanical alterations, which can weaken the solder-tissue repair. In this study, an albumin solder (laser activated) was developed with low solubility and with the ability to retain (partially) its mechanical characteristics in saline solution.
Study Design/Materials And Methods:
Gauged protein samples of solder were immersed into 0.5 ml saline solution for fixed intervals of time. The solder samples contained four bovine serum albumin (BSA) concentrations: 56%, 66%, 70%, and 75% (by weight). A Bradford protein assay measured the BSA solubility of the solders. The 70% and 75% BSA solders were also used to weld in vitro Wistar rat intestine sections with a diode laser (lambda = 810 nm, power = 270 mW).
Results:
The solubility of the 75% BSA solder was significantly decreased with respect to the other solders (Anova, P < 0.05). This solder also showed comparable weld strength (13 gm) to the 70% BSA solder.
Conclusion:
The 75% BSA solder strongly reduced the albumin solubility in saline solution, without affecting its tissue-welding properties.