Molecular mobility of polymeric implants and acute inflammatory response: an experimental study in mice.
An overlooked factor in biomaterial research is the surface molecular flexibility for polymer based implants. The mobility of the polymer chains provides a way for the surface to adapt itself to the environment. This is relevant when the implant comes in contact with a biological fluid and its constituents. By changing the length of the alkyl side chain of poly(alkyl methacrylates) (PAMAs) an interesting opportunity is provided where it is possible to study the surface molecular mobility without changing the surface hydrophobicity, nor does it introduce any additives or any changes in the degree of polymer cross-linking. Four variants of PAMAs were implanted in the peritoneum of Balb/c mice using a well described setup. End points were taken after 18 h and estimations of inflammatory cell recruitment and implant-associated cells were studied. Relationship between surface molecular mobility and inflammatory cell recruitment as well as surface-associated cells was noted.
Andersson
M
M
Department of Cell and Molecular Biology/Interface Biophysics Lundberg Laboratory, Göteborg University, Box 462, SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden. Marcus.Andersson@gmm.gu.se
Hedlund
J
J
Berglin
M
M
Elwing
H
H
Tang
L
L
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods; D020007:Implants, Experimental / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007249:Inflammation / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D008422:Materials Testing; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D011108:Polymers / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry; D011109:Polymethacrylic Acids / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry*; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D013499:Surface Properties; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011108:Polymers; D011109:Polymethacrylic Acids