Study on Prevention of Postoperative Abdominal Adhesions with PLGA Nanofiber Membrane

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanofiber membrane on prevention of postoperative abdominal adhesion. Methods: PLGA nanofiber membrane was prepared by high-voltage electrospinning technique. The effectiveness of the membrane in prevention of postoperative abdominal adhesions was characterized with rat abdominal adhesion models. Results: PLGA nanofiber membrane was prepared successfully by electrospinning technique. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation showed that the average diameter of PLGA fibers was approximately 800 nm, and the membrane had microporous structures. Mechanical tests showed that the tensile strength of PLGA nanofiber membrane was 6.36 ± 0.39 MPa, which was significantly higher than the tensile strength of DIKANG absorbable medical film. The results of in vivo experiments showed that PLGA nanofiber membrane and DIKANG absorbable medical film could both reduce the degree of abdominal adhesions. The histological results showed that there was only a small extent of inflammatory cell infiltration in the PLGA group and the control group. The proliferation of connective tissue was reduced, and so was the degree of adhesion. Conclusion: PLGA nanofiber membrane can significantly reduce the incidence and severity of postoperative adhesions, and bodes well for future clinical applications.