Bioglass/Ceria Nanoparticle Hybrids for the Prophylactic Treatment of Seroma: A Comparative Short-Term Study in Rats

Abstract

Seroma formation remains a common postoperative complication. While optimal treatment remains unclear, recent attention has turned to bioglass/ceria nanoparticle (NP) treatment for seromas. Previous work showed complete seroma resolution in a rat model after NP treatment in the long term. This study aimed to assess the short-term prophylactic effects of NPs. Twenty male Lewis rats underwent bilateral seroma induction surgery. Postoperatively, seroma cavities were treated with NPs, vehicle buffer solution, or fibrin glue or left untreated. Over 2 weeks, blood, seroma fluid, and tissues were collected for biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical analyses. By day 14, NP-treated seromas showed 100% fluid resolution. In contrast, seromas persisted in 50% of fibrin glue–treated rats, 60% of vehicle-treated rats, and 44.44% of untreated controls. Furthermore, prophylactic NP treatment resulted in decreased levels of inflammatory markers while the effect of fibrin glue was to increase the pro-inflammatory response. Histologically, a reduction in vascularization and individual macrophage infiltration was observed in seroma superficial capsules after NP treatment, while complement proteins were significantly increased and associated with groups of macrophages that colocalized with NPs. At the end point, NPs did not show any biodistribution to the systemic circulation. Prophylactic NP application reduced early seroma manifestations mostly through their anti-inflammatory effects. Members of the complement cascade were also identified in macrophages that colocalized with NPs and were internalized. Moreover, there were no detectable adverse systemic effects. These findings emphasize the clinical potential of NPs in the prevention of seromas and their potential for clinical use.