A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study of Cell Attachment to Biodegradable Polymer Implants
Abstract
The biodegradable polymers, polylactic acid (PLA) and polyglycolic acid (PGA) are currently being studied as carriers for bioactive bone regeneration compounds. The inclusion of osteoinductive substances in poly- (DL, lactide-co-glycolide) copolymer alloplastic implants has been shown to enhance the repair of osseous defects. The purpose of this study was to examine, by SEM, the attachment relationship of biodegradable polymer implants to cells and tissue matrix. Polymer discs were surgically implanted into the pectoralis muscles of rats. Results showed that at one week, implants were coated primarily with red and white blood cells in a fibrinoid clot. Degradation of the polymers was evidenced by irregular enlarging of polymer surface pores. At two and three weeks, polymers became lobular and then fibronoid as degradation progressed. Inflammatory cell and red blood cell adhesions were increasingly replaced by fibroblasts and collagen matrix deposition. As polymer degradation progressed, AA and HA particles were exposed; however, the lack of cell or tissue adhesion in these areas suggest that degradation may be more influenced by the fluid environment than by direct cell attachment. Furthermore, degradation may inhibit direct cell attachment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 15, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA200641
Entities
People
- Deiren E. Mark
- Emeterio L. Cerbas
- Jeffrey O. Hollinger
- Theodore Zislis
Organizations
- United States Army Institute of Surgical Research