Biological Evaluation Of PEG/PBT Membrane As Scaffold Of Tissue Engineered Skin

[Objective] The material consisting of poly (ethylene glycol) and poly (butylene terephthalate) segmented copolymer (PEG/PBT) has excellent mechanical properties and biodegradation characteristics. These are the basic characteristics of the tissue engineered scaffold. The aim of the study was to evaluate the properties of biological toxicity, biodegradation and biocompatibility of a new PEG/PBT membrane, in order to provide the evidence which the copolymer membrane is used as the scaffold of tissue engineered skin.[Materials and Methods] (1) The test of acute toxicity was to inject the PEG/PBT membrane soaking into the mouse via its tail vein. (2) The test of local stimulation was to stick the PEG/PBT membrane on the skin of rabbits. (3) The test of cytotoxicity was to culture L929 cells in a serials concentration of the PEG/PBT membrane soaking, then to test the proliferation of the cells with MTT assay. (4) Subcutaneous implantation studies in rat were performed to determine the biocompatibility and biodegradation characteristics of the PEG/PBT membrane. Implantation periods were 3d, 7d, 14d, 28d and 2m. The morphological changes were observed with light microscope, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. (5) Skin fibroblasts were cultured with the PEG/PBT membrane in vitro.[Results] (1) The results of the tests on acute toxicity, local stimulation and cytotoxicity were negative. (2) There was no influence for skin wound healing after subcutaneous implantation of the PEG/PBT membrane. The implanted membranes were surrounded by tissue without rejected reaction.