Abstract
Polyglactin is a bioadsorbable polymer used as tissue engineering scaffolds. However, it has poor cell attachment properties. In this study, polyglactin mesh is irradiated with Kr+ to improve their biocompatibility. Kr+-irradiation was performed into the mesh at an energy of 50 keV with a fluence of 1×1013, 1×1014 and 1×1015 ions/cm2, respectively. After the irradiation, the changes of original chemical bonds and the production of new functional groups were measured by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR-ATR). Hydrolytic degradation of irradiated meshes was carried out in phosphate buffer solution (PBS). In animal studies, these meshes were wrapped around the carotid arteries of rabbits. Fibroblast cells (L929) were seeded on non-irradiated and irradiated meshes. The scission of original chemical bonds was caused by ion beam irradiation with increasing fluences. Irradiated meshes degraded in the same manner as non-irradiated. Seeded cells attached and spread well on irradiated meshes compared with non-irradiated. Irradiated mesh adhered well and inhibited the inflammation and thickening of the vascular wall. Irradiated polyglactin meshes exhibit excellent biocompatibility and retain its biodegradability. Thus, ion beam irradiated polyglactin will be useful for clinical applications.
