Application of bioderadable materials based on alginate and pectin to prevent the formation of peritoneal adhesions

Abstract

Treatment of peritoneal adhesions are still of great importance today. One of the prophylactic measures is biodegradable gels and membranes. The objective of the investigation was to develop and to experimentally assess new materials based on pectin and alginate. Alginate hydrogel was prepared with 4.0, 7.0 and 10.0 weight per cent. The pectin sols were synthesized by the “green chemistry” method. To make films and porous membranes the solution casting method and the freeze-drying technique were used accordingly. The materials were studied in vitro and in vivo. Their physical properties, biocompatibility, biodegradability, adhesion, the prevention effect, the possibility of using as a matrix for mesenchymal stem cell transplantation were assessed. Alginate hydrogel of 7.0 weight per cent didn't cause postoperative complications and led to low adhesions incidence - in 10 % of cases (in the comparison group - 85.7 %). Pectin films obtained by the solution casting method became deformed already in the physiological solution. Biodegradation of the films was absent in the experiment, abscesses and infiltrates in the abdominal cavity were noted. Mesenchymal stem cells didn't attach to such films. Porous pectin matrices synthetized by the freeze-drying technique became partially decomposed already in the physiological solution. In the experiment, these membranes were biodegraded in half animals with the formation of mild adhesions only in 25 %. Mesenchymal stem cells showed a good attachment to their surface. The developed materials based on alginate gel and porous pectin membranes showed a high biodegradation, good biocompatibility, adhesion the prevention effect and the possibility of using as a matrix for stem cells transplantation.