Mechanical and chemical characteristics of an autologous glue

Collagen I gel promotes homogenous osteogenic differentiation of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells in serum-derived albumin scaffold

Repair of bone defects is a difficult clinical problem for reconstructive surgeons. Bone tissue engineering using an appropriate scaffold with cells is a new therapy for the repair of bone defects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro osteogenesis of canine adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (Ad-MSCs) cultured in a combination of collagen I gel and a porous serum-derived albumin scaffold. A serum-derived albumin scaffold was prepared with canine serum by cross-linking and freeze-drying procedures. Ad-MSCs were seeded into serum-derived albumin scaffolds with or without collagen I gel, and were exposed to osteogenic differentiation conditions in vitro. After 28 days of in vitro culture, the distribution and osteogenic differentiation of Ad-MSCs cultured in the scaffold were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, histology, immunohistochemistry, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, and calcium colorimetric assay. Ad-MSCs showed more homogeneous distribution and osteogenic differentiation in the scaffold with collagen I gel than without collagen I gel. ALP activity and extracellular matrix mineralization in the construct with type I collagen were significantly higher than in the construct without type I collagen (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the combination of collagen I gel and the serum-derived albumin scaffold enhanced osteogenic differentiation and homogenous distribution of Ad-MSCs.

Biomedical Applications of Biodegradable Polymers

Utilization of polymers as biomaterials has greatly impacted the advancement of modern medicine. Specifically, polymeric biomaterials that are biodegradable provide the significant advantage of being able to be broken down and removed after they have served their function. Applications are wide ranging with degradable polymers being used clinically as surgical sutures and implants. In order to fit functional demand, materials with desired physical, chemical, biological, biomechanical and degradation properties must be selected. Fortunately, a wide range of natural and synthetic degradable polymers has been investigated for biomedical applications with novel materials constantly being developed to meet new challenges. This review summarizes the most recent advances in the field over the past 4 years, specifically highlighting new and interesting discoveries in tissue engineering and drug delivery applications.

Fibrin glue in ophthalmology

Suturing is a time consuming task in ophthalmology and suture induced irritation and redness are frequent problems. Postoperative wound infection and corneal graft rejection are examples of possible suture related complications. To prevent these complications, ophthalmic surgeons are switching to sutureless surgery. A number of recent developments have established tissue adhesives like cyanoacrylate glue and fibrin glue as attractive alternatives to sutures. A possible and promising new application for tissue adhesives is to provide a platform for tissue engineering. Currently, tissue glue is being used for conjunctival closure following pterygium and strabismus surgery, forniceal reconstruction surgery, amniotic membrane transplantation, lamellar corneal grafting, closure of corneal perforations and descematoceles, management of conjunctival wound leaks after trabeculectomy, lid surgery, adnexal surgery and as a hemostat to minimise bleeding. The purpose of this review is to discuss the currently available information on fibrin glue.