A study of the relationship between mass and physical strength of keratin bars in vivo.
A study was undertaken of the changes in the mass and physical properties of keratin bars implanted subcutaneously in adult rats. A very gradual decrease occurred in vivo in the dry weight of the bars over the period of the study (up to 18 weeks). The elastic modulus of the bars decreased abruptly when present in vivo between 3 and 6 weeks. At the same time there was an increase in the number of cavitations and fissures at the surface of the bars, and an increase in a central internal region of the bars where there was a disorganisation in structure of the polymer. A biocompatible material showing such changes in vivo is likely to be suitable for a variety of medical and surgical applications in which it provides a framework for cell invasion.
Peplow
P V
PV
Department of Anatomy & Structural Biology, University of Otago, Dunedin, P.O. Box 913, New Zealand. phil.peplow@stonebow.otago.ac.nz
Dias
G J
GJ
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D004548:Elasticity; D005260:Female; D020007:Implants, Experimental; D007633:Keratins / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D008422:Materials Testing; D008970:Molecular Weight; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D013499:Surface Properties; D013718:Tensile Strength; D013997:Time Factors
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D007633:Keratins