2022, Vol. 26 ›› Issue (34): 5430-5435

Structure characterization and performance evaluation of modified bovine pericardial scleral biological patch with genipin

Liu Xiaojun1, Li Zihong2, Guo Wenyuan1, Han Ying1, Xu Yuyin1, Zhou Jing1, Wang Junmin3   

Abstract: BACKGROUND: At present, the application of biological patch in posterior scleral reinforcement has received extensive attention. The structure and performance of the biological scleral mesh are directly related to the success rate of the implant, so it is very important to characterize the structure and evaluate the performance of the biological mesh.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the structure and properties of the modified bovine pericardial scleral biological patch with genipin.
METHODS: The structures of fresh group, acellular group and genipin group were characterized by optical microscope, scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectrometer, and X-ray diffraction. Their physical index was evaluated through the determination of mechanical properties, water content rate and thermal stability. In addition, the biocompatibility of bovine pericardium patch in genipin group was evaluated by genetic toxicity test.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The results of histology and scanning electron microscopy showed that the cellular components in the material were effectively removed by acellular treatment. After acellular treatment and genipin modification, the collagen fiber structure was well preserved and orderly without destroying the stable structure of the collagen fiber. (2) Infrared spectrometer and X-ray diffraction demonstrated that there were more amide groups in the collagen fiber of bovine pericardium in genipin group. In addition, the crystal phase of bovine pericardium in fresh and acellular groups was incomplete and the crystallization was poor, while its crystallinity of genipin group was improved. (3) Tensile strength of bovine pericardium in genipin group was significantly higher than that of acellular group (P < 0.05); and elongation at break was significantly lower than that in acellular group (P < 0.05). (4) There was no significant difference in the water content rate between genipin group and acellular group (P > 0.05). (5) The temperature of thermal denaturation in genipin group was higher than that in acellular group. (6) The in vitro mammalian chromosome aberration test in genipin group showed negative result. (7) The results suggested that modified bovine pericardium patch for posterior scleral reinforcement with genipin had good physical and chemical properties and biocompatibility.
Key words: bovine pericardium, acellular, posterior scleral reinforcement, biological patch of eye sclera, genipin, modified, characteristics