PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of Genipin eluting structure for repair of connective tissue

PolySciTech division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) provides a wide array of biodegradable polymers including PLGA. Recently, PLGA (Polyvivo AP081, PLGA 5000-10,000 acid endcap) from PolySciTech was utilized by researchers at the University of Kentucky to generate genipin releasing sutures for tendon repair. This research may hold promise for improved tendon repair after trauma or surgery. Read more: Sundararaj, Sharath, Paul Slusarewicz, Matt Brown, and Thomas Hedman. "Genipin crosslinker releasing sutures for improving the mechanical/repair strength of damaged connective tissue." Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials (2016). http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jbm.b.33753/full

“Abstract: The most common mode of surgical repair of ruptured tendons and ligaments involves the use of sutures for reattachment. However, there is a high incidence of rerupture and repair failure due to pulling out of the suture material from the damaged connective tissue. The main goal of this research was to achieve a localized delivery of crosslinking agent genipin (GP) from rapid-release biodegradable coatings on sutures, for strengthening the repair of ruptured connective tissue. Our hypothesis is that GP released from the suture coating will lead to exogenous crosslinking of native connective tissue resulting in beneficial effects on clinically relevant mechanical parameters such as tear resistance, tissue strength, and energy required to rupture the tissue (toughness). Sutures were successfully coated with a biodegradable polymer layer loaded with the crosslinking agent genipin, without compromising the mechanical properties of the suture. The rapid-release of genipin was achieved under both in vitro and ex vivo conditions. Exogenous crosslinking using these genipin releasing sutures was demonstrated using equine tendons. The tendons treated with genipin releasing sutures showed significant improvement in failure load, energy required for pull-out failure, and stiffness. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2016. Keywords: controlled release; bioresorbable; coating(s); connective tissue; drug delivery/release”