In-vivo biocompatibility evaluation of cross linked cellular and acellular bovine pericardium

Abstract

Fresh bovine pericardium from the local abattoir was cut into 2 cm x 2 cm size pieces and crosslinked with 1% solution of glutaraldehyde (GA), formaldehyde (FA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), hexamethylene di-isocyanate (HMDI) and 1-ethly-3-(3-dimethylaminoprophl)-carbodiimide (EDC). Other pieces were made acellular and then crosslinked with above chemical agents. In-vivo biocompatibility of the biomaterials was determined by subcutaneous implantation in rabbits. The implants were retrieved back on day 14, 30 and 90 post-implantation and subjected to macroscopic and microscopic evaluation. The host inflammatory response, neovasular tissue formation (fibroblasts, fine capillaries), depostition of neocollagen and penetration of host inflammatory responses in the grafted matrix were evaluated.

Keywords

• Bovine pericardium
• Biocompatibility
• Histopathology
• Rabbits