title: Solubility studies of albumin protein solders used for laser-assisted tissue repair.
abstract: Albumin protein solders used for light-activated tissue repair are soluble in physiological fluids prior to laser irradiation. Inevitably, some of the material tends to run away before it can be bonded to the tissue. In addition, blood dilution alters the mechanical properties of the solder. Consequently, the strength of the repair is compromised resulting in poor reproducibility and reliability of the repair technique. The emerging use of solder-doped polymer membranes offers a potential solution to this problem. Predenaturation of the solder in a hot water bath also holds promise as a method for reducing initial solder solubility. The purpose of this study was to determine if polymer reinforcement and/or predenaturation could reduce the solubility of albumin protein solders, and thus, the ultimate breaking strength of incisions repaired by means of laser soldering techniques. A Bradford protein assay was utilized to measure the solubility of the protein solders prior to and after thermal denaturation. The results of this comparison showed that doping of the solder in a polymer membrane and predenaturation of the solders at 75 degrees C were advantageous for improving their handling characteristics. Alteration of the mechanical properties of the solders prior to laser treatment was also prevented, thus improving the reproducibility and reliability of the repairs.
authors.affiliation: Biomedical Engineering Program, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN 47803, USA.
authors.forename: Travis M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Gilmour
authors.forename: Jill N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Riley
authors.forename: David L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Moser
authors.forename: Karen M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: McNally-Heintzelman
mesh_terms: D000418:Albumins / Q000737:chemistry*; D000818:Animals; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000502:physiology; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011108:Polymers; D012995:Solubility; D013552:Swine; D013718:Tensile Strength
chemical_list: D000418:Albumins; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011108:Polymers