HC1 Biomedical Polymers: Their Role In the New Medical Science of Regeneration and RepairTuesday, October 11, 2011: 1:30 PM
Meeting Room #13 (The I-X Center)
Millions of medical devices made of synthetic or modified natural polymers all trigger a similar reaction upon implantation, the foreign body reaction (FBR). Some complications and performance limitations of today's implants will be discussed. In particular, the implanted device is found after 3 weeks to be encapsulated in a thin, avascular collagenous bag. Based on studies over the past 10 years at the University of Washington, a class of 3D biomaterials will be described that readily integrate into tissue and will stimulate spontaneous reconstruction of tissue. The polymeric material is fabricated by sphere-templating. All pores are identical in size and interconnected. Studies from our group have shown optimal healing (as suggested by induced vascularity and minimal fibrosis) is observed for spherical pores of approximately 35 micron size. This integrative healing effect is independent of biomaterial – similar results are observed with sphere-templated silicone rubber, pHEMA hydrogel and polyurethane. Good healing results have been seen upon implantation in skin (subcutaneously, percutaneously), heart muscle, sclera, skeletal muscle, bone and vaginal wall. This talk will address the state of biomaterials and medical devices in 2011 and then describe the potential impact of sphere-templated materials. The concept of a 3D biointerface mechanically driving the bioreaction will be presented and the role of the macrophage cell in the reaction will be discussed. New biodegradable polymers, for example a crosslinked polyurethane, compatible with the sphere-templating process, will also be described.
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