A novel perfluoroelastomer seeded with adipose-derived stem cells for soft-tissue repair.
BACKGROUND
There is a need for engineered soft tissue in reconstructive surgery, particularly after tumor removal. An ideal implant that will provide structural support and a favorable environment for growing cells is a key element in the process of tissue engineering. Nonbiodegradable materials that become well incorporated within the new tissue are a good solution, but many such materials do not have a surface favorable for cell adherence and proliferation. The authors hypothesized that the modification of the pore size in a novel fluoropolymer would improve the adherence and enhance the proliferation of adipose-derived stem cells.


METHODS
Fluoropolymers with two varying pore size ranges were examined. Fluoropolymer compound U48 (pore size, 100 to 180 microm) and fluoropolymer compound P54 (pore size, 10 to 55 microm) were seeded with human adipose-derived stem cells, and cell adherence to the material was measured after 4 hours and cell proliferation was measured after 72 hours. Cell-seeded constructs were implanted subcutaneously in a nude mouse model for 30 days.


RESULTS
Fluoropolymer surface treatment with fibronectin improved the attachment of adipose-derived stem cells to the well plates but did not improve attachment to the fluoropolymer, regardless of pore size. Fluoropolymer U48 increases the adherence and provides a favorable surface for proliferation of adipose-derived stem cells.


CONCLUSIONS
After subcutaneous implantation into nude mice, tissue growth was observed in the fluoropolymer samples with the larger pore size. The characteristics of this new material will allow for future clinical applications in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Clavijo-Alvarez
Julio A
JA
Pittsburgh, Pa.; and Manchester, United Kingdom From the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine; and CuMedica Group Plc, University of Manchester.
Rubin
J Peter
JP
Bennett
Jennifer
J
Nguyen
Vu T
VT
Dudas
Jason
J
Underwood
Christopher
C
Marra
Kacey G
KG
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000166:cytology*; D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D002455:Cell Division; D005218:Fat Necrosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000494:pharmacology; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes / Q000032:analysis; D005465:Fluorocarbon Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D020007:Implants, Experimental; D051379:Mice; D008819:Mice, Nude; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008875:Middle Aged; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000032:analysis; D039904:Pluripotent Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000637:transplantation; D016062:Porosity; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D011897:Random Allocation; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D040521:Subcutaneous Tissue; D013499:Surface Properties / Q000187:drug effects; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D005353:Fibronectins; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D005465:Fluorocarbon Polymers; D009930:Organic Chemicals; C070080:PKH 26