Evaluation of Polycaprolactone/Gelatin/Chitosan Electrospun Membrane for Peritoneal Adhesion Reduction

Abstract

In this study, a novel antiadhesion membrane made of polycaprolactone, gelatin, and chitosan was fabricated using the electrospinning technique. A series of polycaprolactone/gelatin/chitosan (PGC) electrospun membranes with different amounts of chitosan (0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% in weight percentage) was synthesized. The physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of the fabricated membranes were examined and compared with the aim to select an effective antiadhesion membrane. Scanning electron microscopy showed that these 4 electrospun membranes had similar fiber diameter and pore area, with no statistical differences between them. Furthermore, the contact angle decreased with increased chitosan content, indicating that chitosan may contribute to increased hydrophilic properties. The in vitro degradation test revealed that the higher chitosan content corresponded to a lower degradation rate in PGC membranes within 7 days. All PGC membranes exhibited similar cell proliferation; however, cell proliferation was lower than tissue culture polystyrene (P < 0.05). To compare antiadhesion ability, the adhesion between the cecum and abdominal wall was created in a rat model. Assessment after implantation of electrospun membranes revealed that PGCs with higher chitosan content (PGC2) had better antiadhesion effects, as evaluated by an adhesion score at day 14 postsurgery. Thus, PGC2 was effective in reducing the formation of tissue adhesion. Therefore, PGC electrospun membrane may provide a potential peritoneal antiadhesion barrier for clinical use.

Two Sides of Electrospun Fiber in Promoting and Inhibiting Biomedical Processes

“…Adapted with permission. [218] Copyright 2020, Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. F) Adhesion areas and scores in different treatment groups. Adapted with permission.…”

“…Therefore, PGC electrospun membranes can be used in postoperative anti-adhesion applications. [218] In addition, mechanical injury, infection, and foreign body reaction during abdominal surgery promotes the production of ROS, which promotes vascular permeability. The increase of inflammation aggravates ROS reactions and promotes the formation of coagulation and fibrin.…”

Mechanisms of Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells in Peritoneal Adhesion

“…Surgery, trauma, chronic peritoneal inflammation, peritoneal dialysis, endometriosis, etc., can induce PA formation [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. However, most PAs are caused by surgery [ 8 , 9 , 10 ]. PAs can cause pain, female infertility, intestinal obstruction, and other problems, and bring difficulties to reoperation [ 6 , 11 , 12 ].…”

Ibuprofen-Loaded Electrospun PCL/PEG Nanofibrous Membranes for Preventing Postoperative Abdominal Adhesion

“…PCL, as a biocompatible and slow biodegradable polyester, possesses the property of antiadhesiveness, frequently used for this aim. − It brings several benefits such as cost-effectiveness, great blend compatibility, food and drug administration (FDA) approval, low protein/cell adhesion tendency in proportion to its wettability, stability in aqueous conditions, availability in mass production, and appropriate mechanical properties. ,, However, it is suggested that PCL should be blended with other polymers with a high biodegradable rate since its brittle properties, long-lasting PCL, and slow degradation are drawbacks to the wound healing process and biocompatibility at the wound site . To deal with this issue, more research has used PCL-blended PEG, chitosan, gelatin, hyaluronic acid, PLGA, and PLA. ,,,, …”

“…4 To deal with this issue, more research has used PCL-blended PEG, chitosan, gelatin, hyaluronic acid, PLGA, and PLA. 4,10,26,32,33 The possibility of fibrin bond formation is very high immediately after surgery until the next 3 days. 2,7 It is highly recommended that the presence of a chemical barrier alongside a physical one helps the inflamed surgery site to be manipulated to normal situations.…”