1. Biodegradable polymer coating promotes the epithelization of tissue-engineered airway prostheses
- Author
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Naoki Nakajima, Toshihiko Sato, Masato Araki, Koichi Omori, and Tatsuo Nakamura
- Subjects
Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine ,medicine.medical_specialty ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Bronchi ,engineering.material ,Polypropylenes ,Prosthesis Design ,Prosthesis ,Epithelium ,Dogs ,Coating ,Tissue engineering ,Absorbable Implants ,medicine ,Animals ,Tissue Engineering ,business.industry ,Ciliated columnar epithelium ,Biodegradable polymer ,Surgery ,Trachea ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,engineering ,business ,Airway ,Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine ,Respiratory tract ,Biomedical engineering - Abstract
Objective We have developed a prosthesis that includes a collagen layer for tracheobronchial reconstruction and applied it in a canine model. In previous studies luminal epithelization remained partial or rather slow because of the early disintegration of the collagen layer. We have improved this type of prosthesis by coating the luminal surface with a biodegradable polymer, which serves to protect the collagen layer. The effect of the polymer coating on the epithelization of the luminal surface of the prosthesis was examined. Methods The main frame consisted of a polypropylene mesh tube, measuring 15 mm in inner diameter and 30 mm in length, with reinforcing rings. Collagen extracted from porcine skin was conjugated to this frame. The luminal surface was coated with a polymer, poly (L-lactic-acid-co-e-caprolactone). In 5 beagle dogs the left main bronchus was replaced with this prosthesis, periodic bronchoscopic observations were conducted, and microscopic evaluations were performed. Results All dogs survived until they were killed, except for 1 animal in which pneumonia developed, and this animal died at 13 months after replacement. None of the dogs showed adverse complications caused by the prosthesis. Bronchoscopic observations revealed that the polymer remained on the luminal surface for 2 weeks. The luminal surface in 4 dogs was completely covered with ciliated columnar epithelium or nonciliated squamous epithelium, and 90% epithelization was achieved in 1 dog. Conclusions The biodegradable polymer coating protected the collagen layer and promoted better epithelization. This improved epithelization on the luminal surface could therefore potentially increase the success rates in airway replacement with artificial prostheses.
- Published
- 2010
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