In vitro investigation of chitosan-polygalacturonic acid polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) biomaterials as anti-adhesive substrates for preventing adhesion formation

Adhesions are an abnormal union of membranous surfaces. They are a painful and expensive consequence of abdominal surgeries, specifically in the peritoneal cavity. This complication requires a second surgery to remove the problem, known as adhesiolysis, which we are trying to avoid. Current solutions to adhesion formation either lack efficacy or induce an inflammatory response in the peritoneum. Our focus is to develop a post-surgical adhesion prevention polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) film, composed of an optimal ratio of chitosan (Chi) and polygalacturonic acid (PgA) to prevent adhesion formation. Adhesive properties of fibroblasts and macrophages on the PEC were also studied, since both cell types play a central role in the adhesion formation process. Additionally, we examined PEC attachment methods, ultimately for in vivo application. Current in vitro studies evaluated the material properties of the film to determine the stability of the material. The results of our studies identified certain ratios of Chi-PgA films which are mechanically consistent for use as intra-peritoneal barriers. Furthermore, their potential as anti-adhesive barriers were further supported by the fact that their surfaces are non-permissive for viable fibroblast and macrophage attachment.