Evaluation of scaffolding, inflammatory response, and wound healing support of a reverse thermal gel for myelomeningocele patching.

A reverse thermal gel (RTG) is a promising patching material for in utero, minimally invasive coverage of myelomeningocele (MMC) defects. The injectable properties of the RTG brings the potential for significantly reduced surgical risks to the mother and fetus when compared to current open prenatal repair procedures. MMC patching materials require structural and wound healing support for tissue growth over the MMC defect area to allow a watertight seal to form and prevent further neural tissue exposure to the amniotic environment. Here, the previously described RTG is evaluated for the first time as a scaffold for skin cells, for long‐term inflammation effects in neonatal mice, and for wound healing capability. Results show that the RTG can support the growth and survival of keratinocytes, dermal fibroblasts, and neuronal cells in vitro. Injections into neonatal mice demonstrate a regressing inflammatory response and support of normal wound healing. Together, these results demonstrate that the RTG has the necessary scaffolding and wound healing support necessary for MMC patching applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]