Avastin‐Loaded 3D‐Printed Alginate Scaffold as an Effective Antiadhesive Barrier to Prevent Postsurgical Adhesion Bands Formation

Abstract

Post‐operative adhesion can cause complications, such as pain, and organ blockage, in the abdominal regions. To address this issue, surgical techniques, and anti‐adhesive treatments have been applied. Given the significant role of vascularization in adhesion band formation, Avastin (Ava) that targets VEGF can be applied to prevent peritoneal adhesion bands. Moreover, Alginate (Alg), a natural polysaccharide, is a promising physical barrier to prevent adhesion bands. Incorporating Ava into Alg hydrogel in a form of 3D‐printed scaffold (Alg/Ava) has potential to suppress inflammation and angiogenesis, leading to reduce peritoneal adhesion bands. Following physical, morphological, and biocompatibility evaluations, the efficacy of Alg and Ava alone and their combination in Alg/Ava on the formation of post‐surgical adhesions was evaluated. Upon confirming physical stability and sustained release of Ava, the Alg/Ava scaffold effectively diminished both the extent and strength of adhesion bands. Histopathological examination showed that the reduction in fibrosis and inflammation was responsible for preventing adhesion bands by the Alg/Ava scaffold. Additionally, the cytokine assessment revealed that this was due to the inhibition in the secretion of VEGF and IL‐6, suppressing vascularization and inflammatory pathways. This study suggests that a 3D‐printed Alg/Ava scaffold has great potential to prevent the post‐surgical adhesion bands.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved