Enhancing tissue integration and angiogenesis of a novel nanocomposite polymer using plasma surface polymerisation, an in vitro and in vivo study

Abstract

Current surgical reconstruction of facial defects including nose or ear involves harvesting patient's own autologous tissue, causing donor site morbidity and is limited by tissue availability. The use of alternative synthetic materials is also limited due to complications related to poor tissue integration and angiogenesis, which lead to extrusion of implants and infection. We intend to meet this clinical challenge by using a novel nanocomposite called polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane poly(carbonate-urea)urethane (POSS-PCU), which has already been successfully taken to the clinical bench-side as a replacement for trachea, tear duct and vascular by-pass graft. In this study, we aimed to enhance tissue integration and angiogenesis of POSS-PCU using an established surface treatment technique, plasma surface polymerisation (PSP), functionalising the surface using NH2 and COOH chemical groups. Physical characterisation of scaffolds was achieved by using a number of techniques, including water contact angle, SEM, AFM and XPS to study the effects of PSM modification on the POSS-PCU nanocomposite in detail, which has not been previously documented. Wettability evaluation confirmed that scaffolds become hydrophilic and AFM analysis confirmed that nano topographical alterations resulted as a consequence of PSP treatment. Chemical functionalisation was confirmed using XPS, which suggested the presence of NH2 and COOH functional groups on the scaffolds. The modified scaffolds were then tested both in vitro and in vivo to investigate the potential of PSP modified POSS-PCU scaffolds on tissue integration and angiogenesis. In vitro analysis confirmed that PSM modification resulted in higher cellular growth, proliferation and ECM production as assessed by biochemical assays and immunofluorescence. Subcutaneous implantation of modified POSS-PCU scaffolds was then carried out over 12-weeks, resulting in enhanced tissue integration and angiogenesis (p < 0.05). This study demonstrates a simple and cost effective surface modification method to overcome the current challenge of implant extrusion and infection caused by poor integration and angiogenesis.

Argon plasma improves the tissue integration and angiogenesis of subcutaneous implants by modifying surface chemistry and topography

“…The polymer was synthesized using a 2-part method as described previously. 11,12 In brief, polycarbonate polyol (2000 molecular weight [Mw]) and trans-cyclohexanechloroydrinisobutyl-silses-106 quioxane (Hybrid Plastics Inc., Hattiesburg, MI, USA) were mixed followed by Polydehral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS) cages being dissolved into the polyol solution at 70°C. Then, 4, 4′-methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate) was added to form a pre-polymer.…”

“…Several methods have been investigated to modify the tissue integration of synthetic materials, including the deposition of proteins, growth factors and chemical groups. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] Creating functional materials is critical to modify the biological processes that occur at the material interface as they are controlled by the physiochemical properties at the material surface. Notably, manipulation of the surface chemistry and wettability of biomaterials is the simplest path for controlling surface interactions and improving biocompatibility.…”

Optimizing the decellularization process of an upper limb skeletal muscle; implications for muscle tissue engineering

“…The biocompatibility of the decellularized scaffolds was assessed by seeding of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) primary cells on the scaffolds for 7 days as per the previously published protocol . For cell culture experiments, the decellularized muscle was cut to fit 96 well plates.…”

“…Media was changed every three days. Alamar blue was used to assess the cytotoxicity of the scaffolds as previously described (ThermoFisher Scientific, Loughborough, UK) ( n = 4).…”

Optimizing the decellularization process of human maxillofacial muscles for facial reconstruction using a detergent‐only approach

“…Skin, cartilage, and bone can be harvested from elsewhere in the body with good outcomes for facial reconstruction (Hahn, 2017). Furthermore, numerous synthetic materials are in clinical use, which can replace bone and cartilage effectively (Griffin, Palgrave, Seifalian, Butler, & Kalaskar, 2016). However, reconstruction of facial muscle is particularly complex due to their multiple functions including speaking, mastication, facial animation, and cosmetic outcomes (Boukovalas et al, 2017;Gundeslioglu et al, 2017).…”