Histopathological changes at subdermal region due to subdermal biodegradable polymer implant-an experimental study

Abstract

Introduction: Sub dermal implants are recognized as a useful drug delivery system. A majority of drug delivery systems using natural biodegradable polymers have been based on proteins and polysaccharides. To minimize drug degradation and loss, to prevent harmful side-effects and to increase drug bioavailability and the fraction of drug accumulated in the required zones, various drug delivery and drug targeting systems are currently under development 1. An ideal drug carrier must be biostable, biocompatible with minimal tissue polymer interaction, non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, economical, providing better therapeutic outcome and greater patient compliance. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the tissue compatibility to Gelatin, Gelatin+Chitosan based polymeric implants at subdermal region of neck and thigh of rabbit by histopathological examination. Results: Acute inflammatory changes congestion and neutrophilic infiltration were seen at 15 days after implantation along with few lymphocytes and fragments of polymer. At 30 days, there was lymphomononuclear infiltration with no evidence of necrosis, no foreign body reaction nor other changes like granuloma, metaplasia. Similar features were identified at 60 days and 90 days and residual polymer was also not seen indicating biodegradability of the polymeric implants. Conclusion: Gelatin; Gelatin +Chitosan based polymeric implants showed biodegradability and biocompatibility at the subdermal region of the rabbits.