Advances in Biomaterials for Breast Reconstruction

Anatomical Considerations for Hyaluronic Acid Filler Injection for Breast Augmentation in Young Female Patients

BACKGROUND

Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers offer a minimally invasive alternative for breast augmentation, appealing to young female patients seeking natural results and minimal recovery time. However, achieving optimal outcomes requires a thorough understanding of breast anatomy, filler properties, and safe injection techniques. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the anatomical considerations, techniques, and filler properties necessary for optimal breast augmentation using HA filler. It also explores patient selection, long-term safety and efficacy, and the management of complications. A review of key anatomical structures, including glandular tissue, fascial layers, vascular anatomy, and Cooper's ligaments was conducted. Injection techniques, such as dual-plane and submuscular approaches, were analysed with a focus on pre-procedural imaging. Four cases of young female patients undergoing breast augmentation using HA filler (e.p.t.q. eve X, Jetema Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea) were analysed. The efficacy of HA fillers in achieving natural breast enhancement was demonstrated in all four cases. Ultrasound played a crucial role in ensuring accurate filler placement, reducing risks like vascular occlusion and filler migration. Patients reported high satisfaction and minimal complications, though periodic treatments were required for maintenance. HA filler-based breast augmentation is a safe and effective option for young female patients, delivering natural results with rapid recovery. Although the results can be temporary and maintenance treatment is required, HA fillers may offer a non-invasive alternative to silicone implants. Optimal outcomes can be achieved through a thorough understanding of anatomy, the use of highly cohesive fillers, and ultrasound-guided injection techniques.

Cellular Senescence Program is Sensitive to Physical Differences in Polymeric Tissue Scaffolds

A typical cellular senescence program involves exposing cells to DNA-damaging agents such as ionization radiation or chemotherapeutic drugs, which cause multipronged changes, including increased cell size and volume, the onset of enhanced oxidative stress, and inflammation. In the present study, we examined if the senescence onset decision is sensitive to the design, porosity, and architecture of the substrate. To address this, we generated a library of polymeric scaffolds widely used in tissue engineering of varied stiffness, architecture, and porosity. Using irradiated A549 lung cancer cells, we examined the differences between cellular responses in these 3D scaffold systems and observed that senescence onset is equally diminished. When compared to the two-dimensional (2D) culture formats, there were profound changes in cell size and senescence induction in three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds. We further establish that these observed differences in the senescence state can be attributed to the altered cell spreading and cellular interactions on these substrates. This study elucidates the role of scaffold architecture in the cellular senescence program.

Flexible, Biocompatible PET Sheets: A Platform for Attachment, Proliferation and Differentiation of Eukaryotic Cells

Transparent, flexible, biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sheets were modified by bioactive polymer-fibronectin top layers for the attachment of cells and growth of muscle fibers. Towards this end, PET sheets were grafted with 4-(dimethylamino)phenyl (DMA) groups from the in situ generated diazonium cation precursor. The arylated sheets served as macro-hydrogen donors for benzophenone and the growth of poly(2-hydroxy ethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) top layer by surface-confined free radical photopolymerization. The PET-PHEMA sheets were further grafted with fibronectin (FBN) through the 1,1-carbonyldiimidazole coupling procedure. The bioactive PET-PHEMA-I-FBN was then employed as a platform for the attachment, proliferation and differentiation of eukaryotic cells which after a few days gave remarkable muscle fibers, of ~120 µm length and ~45 µm thickness. We demonstrate that PET-PHEMA yields a fast growth of cells followed by muscle fibers of excellent levels of differentiation compared to pristine PET or standard microscope glass slides. The positive effect is exacerbated by crosslinking PHEMA chains with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate at initial HEMA/EGDA concentration ratio = 9/1. This works conclusively shows that in situ generated diazonium salts provide aryl layers for the efficient UV-induced grafting of biocompatible coating that beneficially serve as platform for cell attachment and growth of muscle fibers.