A cell culture model using monocyte-derived primary macrophages has been established to study the degradation, macro- / micro- mechanical behavior and inflammatory behavior of a new designed, biodegradable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) scaffold, over an extended period of time in vitro. For in vivo studies, the scaffolds were implanted subcutaneously in a rat model for up to 36 weeks.
The results have shown that TPU scaffolds supported the attachment and migration of macrophages throughout the three-dimensional matrix. Scaffold degradation could be detected in localized areas, emphasizing the role of adherent macrophages in scaffold degradation. Weight loss, molecular weight and biomechanical strength reduction were evident in the presence of the primary macrophage cells. In addition, TPU favored the switch from initial pro-inflammatory response of macrophages to an anti-inflammatory response over time both in vitro and in vivo.
Read more in: Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 3 September 2020 (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmbbm.2020.104077)
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