Development of an implantable synthetic membrane for the treatment of preterm premature rupture of fetal membranes.
Preterm premature rupture of fetal membranes is a very common condition leading to premature labour of a non viable fetus. Significant morbidities may occur when preterm premature rupture of fetal membranes management is attempted to prolong the pregnancy for fetal maturation. Reducing the rate of loss of amniotic fluid and providing a barrier to bacterial entry may allow the pregnancy to continue to term, avoiding complications. Our aim is to develop a synthetic biocompatible membrane to form a distensible barrier for cervical closure which acts to reduce fluid loss and provide a surface for epithelial ingrowth to help repair the damaged membranes. Therefore, a bilayer membrane was developed using an electrospinning technique of combining two FDA-approved polymers, poly-L-lactic acid (PLA) and polyurethane (Z3) polymer. This was compared to a plain electrospun Z3 membrane. The physical and mechanical properties were assessed using scanning electron microscope images and a BOSE tensiometer, respectively, and compared to native fetal membranes. The performance of the membranes in preventing fluid loss was assessed by measuring their ability to support a column of water. Finally the ability of the membranes to support cell ingrowth was assessed by culturing adipose-derived stem cells on the membranes for two weeks and assessing metabolic activity after 7 and 14 days. The physical properties of the bilayer were similar to that of the native fetal membranes and it was resistant to fluid penetration. This bilayer membrane presented mechanical properties close to those for fetal membranes and showed elastic distention, which may be crucial for progress of the pregnancy. The membrane was also able to retain surgical sutures. In addition, it also supported the attachment and growth of adipose-derived stem cells for two weeks. In conclusion, this membrane may prove a useful approach in the treatment of preterm premature rupture of fetal membranes and now merits further investigation.
Kroto Research Institute, University of Sheffield, Broad Lane Sheffield, UK sabiniano.roman@gmail.com.
Sabiniano
S
Roman
Kroto Research Institute, University of Sheffield, Broad Lane Sheffield, UK.
Anthony J
AJ
Bullock
Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Department of Human Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Level 4, Jessop Wing, Tree Root Walk, Sheffield S10 2SF, UK.
Dilly O
DO
Anumba
Kroto Research Institute, University of Sheffield, Broad Lane Sheffield, UK.
Sheila
S
MacNeil
D017667:Adipocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000737:chemistry; D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004563:Electrochemistry; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000737:chemistry; D011247:Pregnancy; D011270:Pregnancy, Animal; D011817:Rabbits; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D011140:Polyurethanes; C033616:poly(lactide)
Preterm premature rupture of fetal membranes; cell ingrowth; electrospinning; mechanical properties; resistant to fluid penetration; synthetic bilayer membrane