Polysialic Acid Hydrogel for Reducing Foreign Body Reactions in Implanted Polyurethane Materials

Key Points

• The study aims to improve the biocompatibility of polyurethane materials by reducing foreign body reactions through polysialic acid grafting.
• Interfacial interpenetrating grafting approach used to modify polyurethane materials with polysialic acid (PU-sg-PSA).
• Non-specific protein adhesion tests compared PU-sg-PSA with unmodified polyurethane.
• A rat subcutaneous implantation model assessed macrophage behavior and fibrous encapsulation.
• Macrophage expression of nitric oxide (NO) levels measured.
• PU-sg-PSA showed significantly reduced protein adhesion compared to unmodified PU materials.
• Lower levels of NO expression were observed in macrophages on the PU-sg-PSA surface.
• Fewer macrophages encircled the PU-sg-PSA material in the implantation model.
• The fibrous encapsulation layer was thinner around PU-sg-PSA than around unmodified PU.

Abstract