Hydrophilic polymers--biocompatibility testing in vitro

Toxicol In Vitro. 2005 Oct;19(7):957-62. doi: 10.1016/j.tiv.2005.06.032. Epub 2005 Aug 2.

Abstract

Biocompatibility is one of the main prerequisites for safe use of medical devices. Estimation of cytotoxicity is a part of the initial evaluation laid down in ISO standards on biological evaluation of medical devices. Hydrophilic polymers (based on 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate HEMA) doped by addition of selected additives with antioxidant and/or free radical scavenging potential (vitamin C and hindered amine stabilizer N-(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl)methacrylamide) were tested in different in vitro systems (3T3 Balb/c cell culture and a 3D human skin model) for biocompatibility and suitability for use as wound dressings. The results of the 3T3 NRU cytotoxicity test using both the direct and indirect contact approaches and a 3D skin model modified irritation test (EpiDerm) confirmed high biocompatibility and good skin tolerance of both the basic polymers and those enriched with specific additives up to a balanced level. HEMA polymer showed a beneficial effect against cytotoxicity of an irritant (sodium dodecyl sulfate). The in vitro biocompatibility test results were confirmed by human local skin tolerance testing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / administration & dosage
  • Antioxidants / toxicity
  • BALB 3T3 Cells
  • Bandages, Hydrocolloid
  • Biocompatible Materials / toxicity*
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Fibroblasts / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Hydrogels / administration & dosage
  • Hydrogels / toxicity*
  • Male
  • Materials Testing
  • Methacrylates / administration & dosage
  • Methacrylates / toxicity*
  • Mice
  • Middle Aged
  • Patch Tests
  • Polymers / administration & dosage
  • Polymers / toxicity*
  • Skin / drug effects
  • Skin Irritancy Tests
  • Tissue Culture Techniques

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Hydrogels
  • Methacrylates
  • Polymers
  • hydroxyethyl methacrylate