Physico-chemical characteristics of coated silicone textured versus smooth breast implants differentially influence breast-derived fibroblast morphology and behaviour

Abstract

Capsule formation is an inevitable consequence of silicone breast implantation. Clinically challenging dense fibrocollagenous capsular contractures occur at different rates between smooth compared to textured surfaces. Host response is influenced by several factors including implant surface texture, chemistry and interactions between cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Specific coatings can modify the physico-chemical properties of implant surfaces eliciting specific cellular reactions. Therefore, we evaluated the physico-chemical characteristics of coated smooth versus textured silicone breast implants on breast-derived fibroblast morphology and behaviour using (a) confocal laser microscopy, (b) Raman spectroscopy and (c) the effect of four unique protein and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) coatings (aggrecan, collagen I, fibronectin and hyaluronic acid) on breast-derived fibroblast attachment, proliferation, morphology, spreading, cytotoxicity and gene expression. Collagen I, fibronectin and hyaluronic acid coatings exhibited satisfactory fibroblast adhesion (p<0.001) in comparison to uncoated surfaces. Cell adhesion was less on smooth surfaces compared to textured surfaces (p<0.001). Fibroblasts cultured on collagen I, fibronectin and hyaluronic acid coated implants demonstrated improved cell proliferation than uncoated surfaces (p<0.001). LDH assay showed that coating surfaces with collagen I, fibronectin and hyaluronic acid did not induce cytotoxicity. Alpha-actinin expression and fibroblast adhesion to the substrate were upregulated (p<0.001), in textured versus smooth surfaces. FAK, vinculin and paxillin expression were upregulated (p<0.001), in all surfaces coated with fibronectin and collagen I. In conclusion, we present original data for expression of adhesion-related genes, cell morphology and proliferation in breast fibroblasts following the application of specific coatings on breast implant surfaces.

Keywords: Adhesion; Breast tissue fibroblasts; Gene expression; Silicone breast implants; Specific coatings.