A primary study of poly(propylene fumarate)–2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate copolymer scaffolds for tarsal plate repair and reconstruction in rabbit eyelids

Abstract

Eyelid reconstruction includes anterior lamella reconstruction and posterior lamella reconstruction. As an important skeletal component of the posterior lamella, tarsal plates repair is the key issue for eyelid reconstruction. Presently, neither traditional surgery nor autograft/allograft has achieved satisfactory repair effects. Poly(propylene fumarate)-co-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (PPF–HEMA) networks with mass ratios of 1 : 0.5, 1 : 1 and 1 : 2 were synthesized and used as the tarsal substitute in this study. Their chemical compositions, swelling ability, and mechanical properties were characterized. Porous scaffolds were fabricated by a gelatin particle leaching method. The in vitro studies of cytotoxicity on human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and degradation demonstrated that PPF–HEMA scaffolds did not have noticeable cell cytotoxicity and their degradation rates correlated with the ratio of PPF to HEMA. The PPF–HEMA networks, with mass ratios of 1 : 1 and 1 : 2, and an ADM control were implanted in rabbits with tarsal plate defects for in vivo biocompatibility and degradation behavior evaluation. PPF–HEMA scaffolds provided satisfactory repair results with mild tissue response and biocompatibility to fibroblast growth and fibrous capsulation compared to the ADM control. The tissue compatible and biodegradable PPF–HEMA networks with elastic mechanical properties were proven to be a suitable candidate for tarsal repair.