Extracellular matrices for gastrointestinal surgery: ex vivo testing and current applications.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effects of bile and pancreatic juice on structural and mechanical resistance of extracellular matrices (ECMs) in vitro.


METHODS
Small-intestinal submucosa (SIS), porcine dermal matrix (PDM), porcine pericardial matrix (PPM) and bovine pericardial matrix (BPM) were incubated in human bile and pancreatic juice in vitro. ECMs were examined by macroscopic observation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and testing of mechanical resistance.


RESULTS
PDM dissolved within 4 d after exposure to bile or pancreatic juice. SIS, PPM and PDM retained their integrity for > 60 d when incubated in either digestive juice. The effect of bile was found to be far more detrimental to mechanical stability than pancreatic juice in all tested materials. In SIS, the loss of mechanical stability after incubation in either of the digestive secretions was less distinct than in PPM and BPM [mFmax 4.01/14.27 N (SIS) vs 2.08/5.23 N (PPM) vs 1.48/7.89 N (BPM)]. In SIS, the extent of structural damage revealed by SEM was more evident in bile than in pancreatic juice. In PPM and BPM, structural damage was comparable in both media.


CONCLUSIONS
PDM is less suitable for support of gastrointestinal healing. Besides SIS, PPM and BPM should also be evaluated experimentally for gastrointestinal indications.
Hoeppner
Jens
J
Department of General and Visceral Surgery, University of Freiburg, Hugstettter Strasse 55, Freiburg, Germany. jens.hoeppner@uniklinik-freiburg.de
Marjanovic
Goran
G
Helwig
Peter
P
Hopt
Ulrich Theodor
UT
Keck
Tobias
T
D000818:Animals; D001646:Bile / Q000378:metabolism*; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000378:metabolism; D002417:Cattle; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008422:Materials Testing; D010189:Pancreatic Juice / Q000378:metabolism*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013499:Surface Properties; D013552:Swine
D001672:Biocompatible Materials