New straightforward applications of new biopolymers are needed in glaucoma surgery. The aim of this study was to compare biocompatibility of three biomaterials in rabbit eyes after deep sclerectomy; a collagen implant (AquaFlow) represented the "gold standard". A blend of 85:15 poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) and 70:30 poly(L-lactide-co-1,3-trimethylene carbonate) copolymers in a molar ratio of 70:30 (Bio-1 = Inion GTR membrane) and poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide with molar compositions of 50:50 (Bio-2) and 85:15 (Bio-3) were inserted into rabbits eyes. Bio-1, Bio-2 or Bio-3 caused very mild eye irritation or tissue response which was comparable to that of the collagen implant. The biodegradation time of Bio-1, Bio-2, and Bio-3 implants was over one year, 3 months and 6 months, respectively. Implant mapping by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microscopy revealed a heterogeneous distribution of degradation products throughout Bio-1, Bio-2, and Bio-3. All implants were surrounded by a very fine tissue capsule which was not visible after total degradation of the implants. The FTIR spectrum of tissue capsule around Bio-1 was almost identical to that around Bio-2 whereas significant differences were observed in the spectrum of the tissue capsule around Bio-3. Despite some differences in tissue response, all tested implants represent biologically acceptable materials for drainage devices in glaucoma surgery.
(c) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.