AUTHOR=Elagin Vadim , Kuznetsova Daria , Grebenik Ekaterina , Zolotov Denis A. , Istranov Leonid , Zharikova Tatiana , Istranova Elena , Polozova Anastasia , Reunov Dmitry , Kurkov Alexandr , Shekhter Anatoly , Gafarova Elvira R. , Asadchikov Victor , Borisov Sergey M. , Dmitriev Ruslan I. , Zagaynova Elena , Timashev Peter TITLE=Multiparametric Optical Bioimaging Reveals the Fate of Epoxy Crosslinked Biomeshes in the Mouse Subcutaneous Implantation Model JOURNAL=Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology VOLUME=8 YEAR=2020 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/bioengineering-and-biotechnology/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2020.00107 DOI=10.3389/fbioe.2020.00107 ISSN=2296-4185 ABSTRACT=

Biomeshes based on decellularized bovine pericardium (DBP) are widely used in reconstructive surgery due to their wide availability and the attractive biomechanical properties. However, their efficacy in clinical applications is often affected by the uncontrolled immunogenicity and proteolytic degradation. To address this issue, we present here in vivo multiparametric imaging analysis of epoxy crosslinked DBPs to reveal their fate after implantation. We first analyzed the structure of the crosslinked DBP using scanning electron microscopy and evaluated proteolytic stability and cytotoxicity. Next, using combination of fluorescence and hypoxia imaging, X-ray computed microtomography and histology techniques we studied the fate of DBPs after subcutaneous implantation in animals. Our approach revealed high resistance to biodegradation, gradual remodeling of a surrounding tissue forming the connective tissue capsule and calcification of crosslinked DBPs. These changes were concomitant to the development of hypoxia in the samples within 3 weeks after implantation and subsequent induction of angiogenesis and vascularization. Collectively, presented approach provides new insights on the transplantation of the epoxy crosslinked biomeshes, the risks associated with its applications in soft-tissue reconstruction and can be transferred to studies of other types of implants.