Novel polyisobutylene / polydimethylsiloxane bicomponent networks: III. Tissue compatibility

• Published in: Journal of biomaterials science. Polymer ed. Vol. 10; no. 3; pp. 259 - 269
• Main Authors: Sherman, Melissa A., Kennedy, Joseph P., Ely, Daniel L., Smith, Darcie
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis Group 01.01.1999
• Subjects: Abdominal Muscles - surgery; Animals; Biocompatibility; Biocompatible Materials - chemical synthesis; Biocompatible Materials - chemistry; biomaterials; Dimethylpolysiloxanes - chemical synthesis; Dimethylpolysiloxanes - chemistry; histological evaluation; in vivo implantation; Inflammation; Lymphocytes - physiology; Male; Materials Testing; Mechanics; Polyenes - chemical synthesis; Polyenes - chemistry; Prostheses and Implants; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Survival Rate; Testis - pathology; Urinary Bladder - pathology; Wound Healing
• ISSN: 0920-5063; 1568-5624
• DOI: 10.1163/156856299X00333

The tissue biocompatibility of a series of novel rubbery polyisobutylene (PIB)/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) bicomponent networks was investigated by in vivo implantation into rats. Bicomponent networks of varying composition (PIB wt%/PDMS wt% = 70/30, 50/50, 35/65) as well as a standard polyethylene control were implanted intraperitoneally. After eight weeks the implants and surrounding tissue were removed for histological evaluation. In all scoring categories (i.e. collagen thickness, fibrous tissue orientation, collagen deposition in muscle tissue, lymphocyte infiltration, angiogenesis) the PIB/PDMS bicomponent network implants elicited either less or similar tissue and cellular response than polyethylene. To determine which implant elicited the least tissue and cellular response overall, a weighted score including collagen thickness, lymphocyte infiltration, and angiogenesis was calculated for each implant. According to these preliminary investigations, PIB/PDMS bicomponent networks are suitable for implant applications.