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The e-mémoires of the Académie Nationale de Chirurgie

Tissue Responses and Mechanical Properties of Explanted and Functionalized Polytetrafluorethylene and of a Newly Designed Biomaterial for Visceral Surgery

SCHNEIDER A | HEMMERLÉ J

Seance of wednesday 15 november 2017 (CHIRURGIE PÉDIATRIQUE VISCÉRALE ET UROLOGIQUE)

DOI number : 10.2699/f46p-c962/emem.2017.3.017

Abstract

Scanning and transmission electron microscopy assessments of expanded polytetrafluorethylene (e-PTFE) diaphragmatic prosthesis explants strongly suggest that the tissue responses are directly related to the surface microstructure of the porous biomaterial. The rough surface of the implant material (Goretex Dualmesh) favors cell growth and connective tissue penetration. Atomic force microscopy measurements (Young moduli) emphasize the influence of the mechanical stress applied to the implant on the mechanical properties of the newly formed extracellular matrices.
In order to guide the host responses, we undertook to functionalize the e-PTFE biomaterial. Electron microscopy investigations reveal the interest of that surface treatment regarding cell colonization of implants. To optimize that approach, we developed an original method aimed to coat only one face of the biomaterial. Ultrastructural analyses demonstrate that this new functionalization technique enhances tissue integration. Electron micrographs disclose the presence of focal contact points between fibroblasts and the nanoscale coating.
After determination of the growth rate of the diaphragm from birth to adolescence, we explored the possibility to design, by electrospinning, a new biomaterial able to follow body growth. From this point of view, the initial prototypes are promising.