A novel two-component, expandable bioadhesive for exposed defect coverage: applicability to prenatal procedures
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Read the article on jpedsurg.org ↗Article · Oct 2020 · 1 min read
In brief
In brief
Researchers developed and tested a two-component expandable bioadhesive hydrogel for covering spina bifida defects in a fetal rabbit model. The adhesive remained stable in 70% of cases, expanded with fetal growth, and withstood pressures exceeding neonatal cerebrospinal fluid levels, suggesting potential as an alternative approach for prenatal repair of spina bifida and other congenital anomalies.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Abstract
Background/purpose
We sought to test select properties of a novel, expandable bioadhesive composite that allows for enhanced adhesion control in liquid environments.
Methods
Rabbit fetuses (n = 23) underwent surgical creation of spina bifida on gestational day 22–25 (term 32–33 days). Defects were immediately covered with a two-component tough adhesive consisting of a hydrogel made of a double network of ionically crosslinked alginate and covalently crosslinked polyacrylamide linked to a bridging chitosan polymer adhesive. Animals were euthanized prior to term for different analyses, including hydraulic pressure testing.
Results
Hydrogels remained adherent in 70% (16/23) of the recovered fetuses and in all of the last 14 fetuses as the procedure was optimized. Adherent hydrogels showed a median two-fold (IQR: 1.7–2.4) increase in area at euthanasia, with defect coverage confirmed by ultrasound and histology. The median maximum pressure to repair failure was 15 mmHg (IQR: 7.8–55.3), exceeding reported neonatal cerebrospinal fluid pressures.
Conclusions
This novel bioadhesive composite allows for selective, stable attachment of an alginate-polyacrylamide hydrogel to specific areas of the spina bifida defect in a fetal rabbit model, while the hydrogel expands with the defect over time. It could become a valuable alternative for the prenatal repair of spina bifida and possibly other congenital anomalies.
Type of study
N/A (animal and laboratory study).
Level of evidence
N/A (animal and laboratory study).