Abstract
We report the design of an injectable synthetic and biodegradable polymeric biomaterial comprised of polyethylene glycol and a polycarbonate of dihydroxyacetone (MPEG-pDHA). MPEG-pDHA is a thixotropic physically cross-linked hydrogel, displays rapid chain relaxation, is easily extruded through narrow-gauge needles, biodegrades into inert products, and is well tolerated by soft tissues. We demonstrate the clinical utility of MPEG-pDHA in the prevention of seroma, a common postoperative complication following ablative and reconstructive surgeries, in an animal model of radical breast mastectomy. This polymer holds significant promise for clinical applicability in a host of surgical procedures ranging from cosmetic surgery to cancer resection.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Absorbable Implants
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Animals
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Biocompatible Materials / administration & dosage
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Biocompatible Materials / chemical synthesis*
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Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
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Biocompatible Materials / pharmacokinetics
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Dihydroxyacetone
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Drug Design
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Female
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Humans
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Hydrogels
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Injections
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Mastectomy / adverse effects
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Materials Testing
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Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
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Models, Animal
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Polycarboxylate Cement
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Polyethylene Glycols
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Postoperative Complications / prevention & control
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Rats
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Seroma / prevention & control
Substances
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Biocompatible Materials
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Hydrogels
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Polycarboxylate Cement
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polycarbonate
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Polyethylene Glycols
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monomethoxypolyethylene glycol
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Dihydroxyacetone