The effect of gamma irradiation on the enzymatic degradation of polyglycolic acid absorbable sutures

Pressure-Spun Fibrous Surgical Sutures for Localized Antibacterial Delivery: Development, Characterization, and In Vitro Evaluation

Surgical sutures designed to prevent infection are critical in addressing antibiotic-resistant pathogens that cause surgical site infections. Instead of antibiotics, alternative materials such as biocides have been assessed for coating commercially used sutures due to emerging antibiotic resistance concerns worldwide. This study has a new approach to the development of fibrous surgical sutures with the ability to deliver localized antibacterial agents. A new manufacturing process based on pressure spinning was used for the first time in the production of fibrous surgical sutures by physically blending antibacterial triclosan (Tri) agent with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) polymers. Fibrous surgical sutures with virgin PLGA, virgin PEO, different ratios of PLGA-PEO, and different ratios of Tri-loaded PLGA-PEO fibrous sutures were produced to mimic the FDA- and NICE-approved PLGA-based sutures available in the market and compared for their characteristics. They were also tested simultaneously with commercially available sutures to compare their in vitro biodegradation, antibacterial, drug release, and cytotoxicity properties. After in vitro antibacterial testing for 24 h, sutures having 285 ± 12 μg/mg Tri loading were selected as a model for further testing as they exhibited antibacterial activity against all tested bacteria strains. The selected model of antibacterial fibrous sutures exhibited an initial burst of Tri release within 24 h, followed by a sustained release for the remaining time until the sutures completely degraded within 21 days. The cell viability assay showed that these surgical sutures had no cytotoxic effect on mammalian cells.

Biodegradation of Biodegradable Polymers in Mesophilic Aerobic Environments

Finding alternatives to diminish plastic pollution has become one of the main challenges of modern life. A few alternatives have gained potential for a shift toward a more circular and sustainable relationship with plastics. Biodegradable polymers derived from bio- and fossil-based sources have emerged as one feasible alternative to overcome inconveniences associated with the use and disposal of non-biodegradable polymers. The biodegradation process depends on the environment's factors, microorganisms and associated enzymes, and the polymer properties, resulting in a plethora of parameters that create a complex process whereby biodegradation times and rates can vary immensely. This review aims to provide a background and a comprehensive, systematic, and critical overview of this complex process with a special focus on the mesophilic range. Activity toward depolymerization by extracellular enzymes, biofilm effect on the dynamic of the degradation process, CO2 evolution evaluating the extent of biodegradation, and metabolic pathways are discussed. Remarks and perspectives for potential future research are provided with a focus on the current knowledge gaps if the goal is to minimize the persistence of plastics across environments. Innovative approaches such as the addition of specific compounds to trigger depolymerization under particular conditions, biostimulation, bioaugmentation, and the addition of natural and/or modified enzymes are state-of-the-art methods that need faster development. Furthermore, methods must be connected to standards and techniques that fully track the biodegradation process. More transdisciplinary research within areas of polymer chemistry/processing and microbiology/biochemistry is needed.

The Impact of γ-Irradiation and EtO Degassing on Tissue Remodeling of Collagen-based Hybrid Tubular Templates

Clinical implementation of novel products for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine requires a validated sterilization method. In this study, we investigated the effect of γ-irradiation and EtO degassing on material characteristics in vitro and the effect on template remodeling of hybrid tubular constructs in a large animal model. Hybrid tubular templates were prepared from type I collagen and Vicryl polymers and sterilized by 25 kGray of γ-irradiation or EtO degassing. The in vitro characteristics were extensively studied, including tensile strength analysis and degradation studies. For in vivo evaluation, constructs were subcutaneously implanted in goats for 1 month to form vascularized neo-tissue. Macroscopic and microscopic appearances of the γ- and EtO-sterilized constructs slightly differed due to additional processing required for the COL-Vicryl-EtO constructs. Regardless of the sterilization method, incubation in urine resulted in fast degradation of the Vicryl polymer and decreased strength (<7 days). Incubation in SBF was less invasive, and strength was maintained for at least 14 days. The difference between the two sterilization methods was otherwise limited. In contrast, subcutaneous implantation showed that the effect of sterilization was considerable. A well-vascularized tube was formed in both cases, but the γ-irradiated construct showed an organized architecture of vasculature and was mechanically more comparable to the native ureter. Moreover, the γ-irradiated construct showed advanced tissue remodeling as shown by enhanced ECM production. This study shows that the effect of sterilization on tissue remodeling cannot be predicted by in vitro analyses alone. Thus, validated sterilization methods should be incorporated early in the development of tissue engineered products, and this requires both in vitro and in vivo analyses.

Effect of sterilization on structural and material properties of 3-D silk fibroin scaffolds

The development of porous scaffolds for tissue engineering applications requires the careful choice of properties, as these influence cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. Sterilization of scaffolds is a prerequisite for in vitro culture as well as for subsequent in vivo implantation. The variety of methods used to provide sterility is as diverse as the possible effects they can have on the structural and material properties of the three-dimensional (3-D) porous structure, especially in polymeric or proteinous scaffold materials. Silk fibroin (SF) has previously been demonstrated to offer exceptional benefits over conventional synthetic and natural biomaterials in generating scaffolds for tissue replacements. This study sought to determine the effect of sterilization methods, such as autoclaving, heat-, ethylene oxide-, ethanol- or antibiotic-antimycotic treatment, on porous 3-D SF scaffolds. In terms of scaffold morphology, topography, crystallinity and short-term cell viability, the different sterilization methods showed only few effects. Nevertheless, mechanical properties were significantly decreased by a factor of two by all methods except for dry autoclaving, which seemed not to affect mechanical properties compared to the native control group. These data suggest that SF scaffolds are in general highly resistant to various sterilization treatments. Nevertheless, care should be taken if initial mechanical properties are of interest.

Long-term effect of gamma irradiation on the functional properties and cytocompatibility of multiblock co-polymer films

The purpose of this work was to investigate the long-term effect of gamma-irradiation treatment on the functional properties of PEG-PDLLA and PEG-PLGA films and to evaluate the cytocompatibility of sterilized samples. Chemical and thermal properties, and cytocompatibility of sterilized films were detected for samples at time zero and after storage at 5 ± 3°C for 60 days. An in vitro degradation study was carried out on polymer samples to examine the effect of sterilization on the degradation performances of co-polymer films. Incubated samples were characterized in terms of film surface structure (SEM), chemical (GPC) and thermal (DSC) properties. The study performed on films upon gamma sterilization showed no significant changes of the PEG-PDLLA and PEG-PLGA film structure, while GPC analysis highlighted that the effect of gamma irradiation was dependent on the Mw and composition of polymers. DSC traces suggested more pronounced gamma-ray effects on the PEG-PLGA multiblock co-polymer. During the stability study important changes in terms of structure surface, thermal properties and cytocompatibility were observed and investigated. Data collected during the in vitro degradation study emphasized the need to know and investigate the degradation performances and behaviour of polymer or polymer systems (as DDS, scaffolds and bandage) treated with gamma rays.

Tunable bifunctional silyl ether cross-linkers for the design of acid-sensitive biomaterials

Responsive polymeric biomaterials can be triggered to degrade using localized environments found in vivo. A limited number of biomaterials provide precise control over the rate of degradation and the release rate of entrapped cargo and yield a material that is intrinsically nontoxic. In this work, we designed nontoxic acid-sensitive biomaterials based on silyl ether chemistry. A host of silyl ether cross-linkers were synthesized and molded into relevant medical devices, including Trojan horse particles, sutures, and stents. The resulting devices were engineered to degrade under acidic conditions known to exist in tumor tissue, inflammatory tissue, and diseased cells. The implementation of silyl ether chemistry gave precise control over the rate of degradation and afforded devices that could degrade over the course of hours, days, weeks, or months, depending upon the steric bulk around the silicon atom. These novel materials could be useful for numerous biomedical applications, including drug delivery, tissue repair, and general surgery.

Biodegradation of unsaturated poly(ester-amide)s and their hydrogels

The biodegradability of both unsaturated (UPEA) and saturated (SPEA) poly(ester-amide)s and a series of hydrogels (UPEA-G) fabricated from UPEA and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEG-DA) was examined as a function of PEA chemical structures in both phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and alpha-chymotrypsin solutions. Based on the weight loss data, alpha-chymotrypsin had a much more profound effect on the hydrolyses of UPEA, SPEA polymers (up to 32% weight loss on day 1 for FPBe) and UPEA-G hydrogels (up to 32% weight loss on day 31 for FPBe-G28) than a PBS buffer (less than 10% for polymers and 16% for hydrogels). The changes in elastic moduli and the interior morphology of the hydrogels in both PBS buffer and alpha-chymotrypsin solutions were also monitored for 2 months, and the hydrogels' crosslinking density (n(e)) and molecular weight between crosslinks (M(c)) before and after biodegradation were then examined as a function of biodegradation time, enzyme concentration, and different chemical structure of precursors. The differences in biodegradation rates among PEA polymer and UPEA-G hydrogels are ascribed to differences in hydrophilicity and saturated or unsaturated structure of the polymers and hydrogel precursors. Our results showed that, by changing the concentration of alpha-chymotrypsin, the type of UPEA precursors and their feed ratio, the UPEA-G hydrogels could have controllable biodegradability, which is quite desirable for a wide range of biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.

Novel Biopolymers as Implant Matrix for the Deliveryof Ciprofloxacin: Biocompatibility, Degradation, and In Vitro Antibiotic Release

The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vitro-in vivo degradation and tissue compatibility of three novel biopolymers viz. polymerized rosin (PR), glycerol ester of polymerized rosin (GPR) and pentaerythritol ester of polymerized rosin (PPR) and study their potential as implant matrix for the delivery of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride. Free films of polymers were used for in vitro degradation in PBS (pH 7.4) and in vivo in rat subcutaneous model. Sample weight loss, molecular weight decline, and morphological changes were analyzed after periodic intervals (30, 60, and 90 days) to monitor the degradation profile. Biocompatibility was evaluated by examination of the inflammatory tissue response to the implanted films on postoperative days 7, 14, 21, and 28. Furthermore, direct compression of dry blends of various polymer matrices with 20%, 30%, and 40% w/w drug loading was performed to investigate their potential for implant systems. The implants were characterized in terms of porosity and ciprofloxacin release. Biopolymer films showed slow rate of degradation, in vivo rate being faster on comparative basis. Heterogeneous bulk degradation was evident with the esterified products showing faster rates than PR. Morphologically all the films were stiff and intact with no significant difference in their appearance. The percent weight remaining in vivo was 90.70 +/- 6.2, 85.59 +/- 5.8, and 75.56 +/- 4.8 for PR, GPR, and PPR films respectively. Initial rapid drop in Mw was demonstrated with nearly 20.0% and 30.0% decline within 30 days followed by a steady decline to nearly 40.0% and 50.0% within 90 days following in vitro and in vivo degradation respectively. Biocompatibility demonstrated by acute and subacute tissue reactions showed minimal inflammatory reactions with prominent fibrous encapsulation and absence of necrosis demonstrating good tissue compatibility to the extent evaluated. All implants showed erosion and increase in porosity that affected the drug release. Increase in drug loading significantly altered the ciprofloxacin release in extended dissolution studies. PPR produced drug release >90% over a period of 90 days promising its utility in implant systems. The results demonstrated the utility of novel film forming biopolymers as implant matrix for controlled/sustained drug delivery with excellent biocompatibility characteristics.

Issues and challenges in developing long-acting veterinary antibiotic formulations

Antibiotics are an important class of therapeutic agents, which are used for the treatment of bacterial infectious diseases in a variety of animal species. Antibiotic therapy varies from treatment period to administration routes, depending on the animal species or the type of the disease being treated. Despite the fact that there are a wide variety of commercially available antibiotics, difficulties and problems associated with the administration of antibiotics to animals still exist. Thus, there is a great need and tremendous opportunity to develop long-acting antibiotic formulations for veterinary applications. In this review article, common approaches used to develop long-acting antibiotic formulations are summarized. The challenges and issues related to the development of these long-acting formulations are also discussed.

Degradation behaviour of self-reinforced 80L/20G PLGA devices in vitro

In vitro degradation of self-reinforced PLGA 80L/20G material and bioabsorbable stents was studied in artificial urine and phosphate buffer solution (PBS) to define if the media have an effect on the degradation rate in urological applications. After six weeks, the Mv of the samples immersed in PBS was 40% (16.7 kDa) from the initial value and 57% (24.0 kDa) for the samples immersed in artificial urine. The strength loss of samples that were immersed in PBS was slower when compared with samples in artificial urine. The bending strength of samples immersed 15 weeks in artificial urine was 43% (21.7 MPa) of the bending strength of samples immersed in PBS (50.9 MPa), and the shear strength was 13% (artificial urine 3.7 MPa, PBS 28.8 MPa), respectively. The maximum compression force in PBS was slightly over at the initial level after 2 weeks of immersion. It decreased to half (102.2N) of the initial value (204.1N) in 8 weeks, and after 12 weeks it was 25% (50.8 N) of the initial value. The compression force in artificial urine was 35% (66.8 N) of the initial value (193.9 N) after 8 weeks. In 12 weeks it had lowered to 26 N in artificial urine, which was 14% of the initial value. The degradation rate of self-reinforced L-lactic and glycolic acid stents in vitro tests in artificial urine was coinciding with our clinical test. Based on these results, it is possible to make a sufficiently accurate in vitro model for the degradation rate of bioabsorbable polymers for urological applications.

Biodegradation and in vivo biocompatibility of rosin: a natural film-forming polymer

The specific aim of the present study was to investigate the biodegradation and biocompatibility characteristics of rosin, a natural film-forming polymer. Both in vitro as well as in vivo methods were used for assessment of the same. The in vitro degradation of rosin films was followed in pH 7.4 phosphate buffered saline at 37 degrees C and in vivo by subdermal implantation in rats for up to 90 days. Initial biocompatibility was followed on postoperative days 7, 14, 21, and 28 by histological observations of the surrounding tissues around the implanted films. Poly (DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) (50:50) was used as reference material for biocompatibility. Rate and extent of degradation were followed in terms of dry film weight loss, molecular weight (MW) decline, and surface morphological changes. Although the rate of in vitro degradation was slow, rosin-free films showed complete degradation between 60 and 90 days following subdermal implantation in rats. The films degraded following different rates, in vitro and in vivo, but the mechanism followed was primarily bulk degradation. Rosin films demonstrated inflammatory reactions similar to PLGA, indicative of good biocompatibility. Good biocompatibility comparable to PLGA is demonstrated by the absence of necrosis or abscess formation in the surrounding tissues. The study provides valuable insight, which may lead to new applications of rosin in the field of drug delivery.

Biodegradation studies of rosin-based polymers

This study was designed to investigate two rosin-based polymers (R-1 and R-2) for their in vitro and in vivo biodegradation behavior. The in vitro hydrolytic degradation was carried out in buffer solutions of pH 4.4, 7.4, and 10.4 at 37 degrees C. Enzymatic degradation was studied using enzymes lipase, pancreatine, and pectinase. Free films of the two polymers were subcutaneously implanted in rabbits for the in vivo biodegradation. The extent of degradation was determined quantitatively by weight loss and was followed qualitatively by scanning electron microscopy. The extent and the rate of degradation was better in vivo than in vitro. The polymers showed poor enzymatic degradation and a highly pH-dependent hydrolytic degradation.

The effect of therapeutic irradiation on LactoSorb absorbable copolymer

Bioabsorbable implants continue to gain popularity in providing temporary internal fixation due to their many advantages over metallic internal fixation. Coincident with the presence of internal fixation devices, it may be necessary to use radiotherapy to treat tumors. While metal implants can alter the distribution of the radiotherapy beam, bioabsorbable polymer implants are, essentially, tissue equivalent. This ionizing irradiation, in sufficiently high dose, can affect polymers through chain scission and cross-linking and accelerate the hydrolysis of absorbable polymers. However, little is known about the effects of therapeutic doses on such materials. This study exposed LactoSorb (Biomet, Inc., Warsaw, IN) absorbable copolymer to doses of x-ray irradiation in a clinically relevant manner, in vitro, with individual doses of 2 Gy administered five days per week for up to eight weeks, yielding a total cumulative dose of up to 80 Gy. Specimens were tested both mechanically and for inherent viscosity. Overall, the LactoSorb specimens withstood exposure to the irradiation exceedingly well, providing empirical evidence of the suitability of this material for temporary internal fixation when subsequent radiotherapy in the region is probable.

Tissue response to polyglycolide and polylevolactide pins in osteotomized cancellous bone

A transcondylar osteotomy of the distal femur was fixed with a self-reinforced polyglycolide pin in one hind leg and with a self-reinforced polylevolactide pin in the other hind leg of 49 rats. The intact femurs of eight rats that did not have surgical treatment were used as controls. The tissue reaction to the implant and the consolidation of the osteotomy were examined radiographically, histologically, histomorphometrically, microradiographically, and using oxytetracycline fluorescence studies. The followups were from 1 to 52 weeks. A vigorous osteostimulatory tissue response to self-reinforced polyglycolide pins and self-reinforced polylevolactide pins was observed 1 week after fixation. This reaction reached its highest value 24 weeks after self-reinforced polyglycolide pin fixation and 6 weeks after self-reinforced polylevolactide pin fixation. The highest values of the mean trabecular bone area fraction, 27.9% for self-reinforced polyglycolide pins and 28.1% for self-reinforced polylevolactide pins, were measured at 48 weeks. At 12 weeks there was a peak of phagocytizing macrophages in the specimens with self-reinforced polyglycolide pin fixation. During the followup, total phagocytosis of self-reinforced polyglycolide pins was seen, but only a few signs of degradation of self-reinforced polylevolactide pins were observed. Both polymeric implants seemed to possess osteostimulatory properties, and the biocompatibility and clinical relevance proved to be acceptable.

Preliminary in vivo studies on the osteogenic potential of bone morphogenetic proteins delivered from an absorbable puttylike polymer matrix

This article describes preliminary in vivo studies evaluating the osteogeneic potential of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) delivered from an absorbable puttylike polymer matrix. In the first study, bovine-derived bone morphogenetic proteins were incorporated in an polymer matrix consisting of 50:50 poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) dissolved in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. The matrix was implanted in an 8 mm critical-size calvarial defect created in the skull of adult Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 5 per treatment group). After 28 days, the implant sites were removed and examined for new bone formation, polymer degradation, and tissue reaction. Gamma-irradiated polymer matrices appeared to give more bone formation than nonirradiated samples (histological analysis; 2. 76 + 1.34 mm(2) of bone versus 1.30 + 0.90 mm(2) of bone, respectively and x-ray analysis; 27.2 + 15.9 mm(2) of bone versus 20. 7 + 16.7 mm(2) of bone, respectively) and less residual polymer (0.0 + 0.0 versus 0.2 + 0.4, respectively). The polymer implants with bone morphogenetic protein also gave less inflammatory response than the polymer controls (gamma irradiated polymer/BMP = 1.8 + 0.4 and nonirradiated polymer/BMP = 1.2 + 0.4 versus polymer only = 3.0 + 1. 2, respectively). However, despite trends in both the x-ray and histological data there was no statistical difference in the amount of new bone formed among the four treatment groups (P > 0.05). This was most likely due to the large variance in the data scatter and the small number of animals per group. In the second animal study, bovine-derived BMPs and the polymeric carrier were gamma irradiated separately, at doses of 1.5 or 2.5 Mrad, and their ability to form bone in a rat skull onlay model was evaluated using Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 5 per treatment group). Histomorphometry of skull caps harvested 28 days after implantation showed no significant differences as compared to non-irradiated samples, in implant area, new bone area, and percent new bone (P > 0.05). These results suggest gamma irradiation may be useful in sterilization of the bovine-derived BMPs and the polymeric carrier for potential bone repair and/or regeneration applications.

A new biodegradable stent for the pancreaticojejunal anastomosis after pancreaticoduodenal resection: in vitro examination and pilot experiences in humans

We sought to develop a biodegradable pancreatic stent that could be easily placed at operation into the human pancreatic duct and the degradation of which could be easily followed up. Spiral-shaped, gamma-sterilized stents were manufactured of 0.4-mm polylactide wire in which there was added 23 weight-% barium sulfate. The biodegradability of the stents was studied in vitro at two different pH values, the first resembling that of pancreatic juice and the other that of bile. The effects of enzymoactivity in the test solution and the composition of the stents (with or without barium addition) also were tested. These kinds of stents have been experimented with in two pilot patients. Degradation of the stents occurred from 24 to 52 weeks of incubation. Alkaline milieu together with the presence of pancreatic enzyme made the stents degrade twice as fast as when either alkaline milieu or enzyme was present. In the milieu resembling pancreatic juice, barium sulfate had no effect on the degradation time. Neither of the pilot patients had any postoperative complications. Biodegradable, x-ray-positive stents degrade faster in pancreatic than in biliary milieu. Their safety and efficacy in human pancreaticojejunal anastomoses need further study.

The role of superoxide ions in the degradation of synthetic absorbable sutures

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of superoxide ion-induced degradation on synthetic absorbable biomaterials. Synthetic absorbable sutures were used as the model compounds. Inflammatory cells, particularly leukocytes and macrophages, are able to produce highly reactive oxygen species, such as superoxide (. O(2)(-)), during inflammatory reactions to foreign materials. Superoxide ions may act as oxygen nucleophile agents to attack biomaterials. In this study, the changes in tensile breaking force, thermal properties, and the surface morphology of five commercial (2/0 in size) synthetic absorbable sutures (Dexon, Vicryl, PDS II, Maxon, and Monocryl) as a function of superoxide ion concentration at 25 degrees C for 24 h were studied. Among the five absorbable sutures and over the concentration range of this study, the monofilament Monocryl suture was the most sensitive toward superoxide ion-induced degradation, followed by Maxon, Vicryl, Dexon, and PDS II sutures. The amount of tensile breaking force loss over a 24 h period ranged from as low as 3% to as high as 80%, depending on the type of absorbable sutures, the reaction time, and the superoxide ion concentration. All five absorbable sutures showed significant reductions in both the T(m) and T(g). Unlike the surface morphological changes of absorbable sutures in conventional buffer solutions, the effect of superoxide ion-induced degradation on the surface morphologies of these five absorbable sutures was unique, particularly the moon-crater-shaped impressions of various sizes and depths found in Monocryl and Maxon sutures, which defied the anisotropic characteristics of fibers.

Subconjunctival biocompatibility of a viscous bioerodable poly(ortho ester)

The biocompatibility of a viscous poly(ortho ester) (POE) intended for prolonged intraocular drug delivery was studied. This hydrophobic and bioerodable carrier was subconjunctivally injected in rabbits and evaluated both clinically and histologically. To assess the cause of the triggered transient acute inflammatory reaction, the two monomers, the intermediate and final degradation products, and the local toxicity of different solvents used during the polymer preparation were tested. Since the two initial monomers and the intermediate degradation products induced only moderate inflammation, the main acute inflammatory reaction is attributed to the formation of an acidic by-product which has been monitored in vitro by measuring the progressive decrease of the environmental pH. The influence of the sterilization procedure on tissue biocompatibility was established by comparing two polymers of similar molecular weight: one after gamma-sterilization, and an aseptically synthesized one. The biocompatibility was significantly improved by avoiding irradiation of the polymer.

Sterilization, toxicity, biocompatibility and clinical applications of polylactic acid/polyglycolic acid copolymers

This is a review of salient studies of sterilization, toxicity, biocompatibility, clinical applications and current work in the field of orthopaedics, using implants made of polylactic acid (PLA), polyglycolic acid (PGA) and their copolymers. The intrinsic nature of these biomaterials renders them suitable for applications where temporally slow releases of bioactive agents in situ may be required. They are also desirable as fixation devices of bone, because they can virtually eliminate osteopenia associated with stress shielding or additional surgery. The majority of currently available sterilization techniques are not suitable for these thermoplastic materials and it may be desirable to develop new sterilization standards, which can account for the special character of PLA-PGA materials. Biocompatibility and toxicity studies suggest that, overall, PLA-PGA biomaterials may be suitable for orthopaedic applications, although certain problems, especially pertaining to reduction in cell proliferation, have been reported. Clinical applications are also promising, albeit not without problems usually associated with transient tissue inflammation. The future of these materials appears bright, especially in soft tissues. They may be used to address the exceedingly complex problem of osteochondral repair, but also as a means to enhance fixation and repair processes in tendons and ligaments.

Sterilization of chitosan: implications

Chitosan, a biopolysaccharide having structural characteristics similar to glycosaminoglycans, seems to be an ideal non-toxic and bioabsorbable biopolymer. This study highlights the effects of some physical and chemical methods of sterilization on chitosan films, in retaining the original tensile strength besides the efficacy of sterility and degree of hemolysis of the finished films.

Currently practised sterilization methods--some inadvertent consequences

Currently used sterilization techniques such as ethylene oxide, gamma irradiation, and steam sterilization could introduce inadvertent consequences, especially in polymeric materials. These could have far-reaching effects on the biocompatibility of the materials. Some of these consequences are reviewed and a typical example of the effect of steam sterilization on the properties and biocompatibility of polyethylene terephthalate is discussed.

Strength retention of self-reinforced polyglycolide membrane: an experimental study

Self-reinforced polyglycolide (SR-PGA) devices are stronger than non-reinforced ones. To study the strength retention of SR-PGA membrane, in vitro and in vivo, membranes were either immersed in distilled water at 37 degrees C, or implanted in the subcutis or around the femoral bone of rats. The SR-PGA membranes lost their strength in vitro by 6 wk, while they retained it for 15 wk in vivo due to the fibrous tissue that formed around and inside the implant (biomembrane). This is an advantage when clinical application of the membrane is being considered.

Effect of a combined gamma irradiation and Parylene plasma treatment on the hydrolytic degradation of synthetic biodegradable sutures

The aim of this study was to alter the hydrolytic degradation property of synthetic absorbable suture fibers so that their mass loss would occur at a shorter time without significantly compromising their tensile strength loss profile. A two-step treatment concept (gamma-irradiation followed by Parylene plasma deposition) was introduced for achieving this aim. Vicryl and Maxon were used as the model compounds to test this new concept. After the treatment, the in vitro hydrolytic degradation properties of Vicryl and Maxon were evaluated by weight loss, tensile breaking strength, heat of fusion and melting temperature, intrinsic viscosity, surface wettability, and surface morphology. The results suggested that gamma-irradiation at a dosage level between 0.2-2.0 Mrad for Vicryl sutures and about 2.0 Mrad for Maxon sutures were the most effective dosages to accelerate the suture mass loss. The subsequent Parylene plasma deposition treatment statistically significantly improved the retention of tensile strength for both gamma-irradiated Vicryl and Maxon sutures and hence counteracted the undesirable gamma-irradiation induced acceleration of tensile strength loss. However, this second-step Parylene plasma treatment extended the suture mass loss to longer periods. These findings were consistent with the observed surface wettability, surface morphology, intrinsic viscosity, and thermal properties. A thin hydrophobic Parylene skin layer wrapped around a suture was responsible for the slower rate in mass and strength loss. This outer skin layer acted as a barrier to not only water but also degradation fragments.

Bone-derived growth factor release from poly(alpha-hydroxy acid) implants in vitro

Matrix proteins were extracted from bovine cortical bone and polymer implant discs (13 mm x 2 mm composed of 50:50 poly DL-lactide-co-glycolide; mol. wt. approximately 9000) prepared by compression moulding granules with lyophilized bone matrix extracts (BMX) 10.1 (w/w). BMX-containing polymers were cultured for 5 wk in either serum-free Dulbecco's modification of Eagle's medium (DMEM) or phosphate buffer, and growth factor activity released into the media assayed by its ability to stimulate the proliferation of murine fibroblast BALB/c/3T3 cells. Approximately 60-75% of the biological activity was released during the first week of culture; however, less than half of the growth factor units originally incorporated into the implants retained biological activity. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the development of significant internal porosity by week 2; the size of the channels, pores and surface openings suggested they were of the right order for bone ingrowth. These preliminary findings suggest that poly(alpha-hydroxy acid) polymers containing bone-derived growth factors could have potential for stimulating osseous regeneration in vivo.

Effect of plasma glow, glutaraldehyde and carbodiimide treatments on the enzymic degradation of poly (L-lactic acid) and poly (gamma-benzyl-L-glutamate) films

The hydrolytic and enzymic degradation of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(gamma-benzyl L-glutamate) (PBGA) films, together with a series of surface treatments, were studied, as a function of exposure time. The degradation of these polymers was monitored by weight loss, contact angle, pH changes and tensile strength studies. Glutaraldehyde treatment retained the maximum strength of PLA in buffer, followed by carbodiimide, compared with control films. On the other hand, plasma glow reversed the effect. The ability of alpha-chymotrypsin, carboxypeptidase, ficin, esterase, bromelain and leucine aminopeptidase to modulate the degradation of PLA and PBGA was also investigated. Addition of these enzymes to the polymer-buffer system reduced the tensile strength of these polymers variably. Among the six enzymes studied, leucine aminopeptidase showed the highest enzymic effect on the degradation of the glutaraldehyde-treated and bare PLA or bare PBGA films. However, glutaraldehyde-cross-linked PLA demonstrated maximum stability in buffers or in all other enzyme systems studied compared with bare PLA. It is conceivable that surface treatments on these polymers might have altered their physical and chemical configuration and the subsequent degradation properties. Surface modifications may provide new ways of controlling the biodegradation of polymers for a variety of biomedical applications.

Biocompatibility of poly (DL-lactic acid/glycine) copolymers

In this review the authors discuss the polymer chemical, physical and cell biological aspects of poly (DL-lactic acid/glycine) copolymers, both in vitro and in vivo. The mechanism and rate of degradation and the degree of foreign body reaction were evaluated as a function of the molecular composition of the (co)polymer, its initial molecular weight and changes in crystallinity. Data from the literature concerning poly(lactic acid), poly(glycolic acid) and poly(amino acids) are included in this review. The choice to apply the polymers mentioned was determined by their nature: all are present in the human body as natural residues. Upon degradation, biocompatibility will thus not be impaired. The authors conclude that the degradation mechanism of poly(lactic acid), poly(glycolic acid) and poly(amino acids) are similar, i.e. bulk hydrolysis of ester bonds. The initial molecular weight and the chemical composition, determine the rate of degradation and the degree of foreign body reaction.