Abstract
Branched polyethylene (B-PE) elastomer was investigated for its potential medical application as a tarsus construct. The in vitro results showed that the B-PE and processed B-PE films or scaffolds did not exhibit noticeable cytotoxicity to the NIH3T3 fibroblasts and human vascular endothelial cells (ECs). The B-PE scaffolds with a pore size of 280–480 µm were prepared by using a gelatin porogen-leaching method. The porous scaffolds implanted subcutaneously in rats exhibited mild inflammatory response, collagen deposition and fast fibrovascularization, suggesting their good biocompatibility. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed low expression of pro-inflammatory genes and up-regulated expressions of collagen deposition and vascularization-related genes, validating the results of historical evaluation in a molecular level. The B-PE scaffolds and Medpor controls were transplanted in rabbits with eyelid defects. The B-PE scaffolds exhibited a similar elastic modulus and provided desirable repair effects with mild fibrous capsulation, less eyelid deformities, and were well integrated with the fibrovascular tissue compared with the Medpor controls.
Highlights
The high-molecular weight results in high toughness, excellent wear and chemical resistance, which allows ultrahigh-molecular weight PE (UHMWPE) to be used as the wear-bearing surface of hip and knee arthroplasty and total artificial joints [2]
Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) tests were performed to determine whether Branched polyethylene (B-PE) extract was cytotoxic to NIH3T3 fibroblasts and human vascular endothelial cells (ECs) in vitro
Cytotoxic and bioactive effects of B-PE were determined when the polymer films were in direct contact with NIH3T3 fibroblasts and human vascular ECs in vitro (Fig. 2C)
Summary
Polyethylene (PE) can be synthesized by polymerization of ethylene in a number of ways. The way produced will affect its structure and thereby properties [1]. Among the various categories of PE, high-density PE (HDPE) and ultrahigh-molecular weight PE (UHMWPE) are most widely used in medicine [3]. HDPE has a high degree of crystalline structure and low degree of branching, resulting in strong intermolecular force and tensile strength [4]. The high-molecular weight results in high toughness, excellent wear and chemical resistance, which allows UHMWPE to be used as the wear-bearing surface of hip and knee arthroplasty and total artificial joints [2]. They still have some disadvantages to be reckoned with, including their rigidity and sometimes they are palpable extra orally [5]. The HDPE and UHMWPE are considered as the ones of the best hard tissue substitutes, but have a restricted application in soft tissues
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