Development and characterization of autologous fibrin glue augmented with biocompatible polymers

Abstract

Fibrin glue plays an important role in most surgical operations. However, commercial fibrin glues are expensive and have some limitations. A lot of original research is being conducted on this topic, however, the data suggest that the binding strength, biocompatibility, or cost-effectiveness of the alternatives are not good enough for commercial applications. This research study describes in detail the development and characterization of inexpensive fibrin glue augmented with various biopolymers. Properties such as clotting time, water content, adhesive strength, cytotoxicity, and SEM with EDS were determined by varying the concentration of the components. The fibrin glue was initially prepared using 5%, 10%, and 20% (w/v) concentration of calcium chloride, and its effect on the properties was observed. Based on previous literature data and new research experiments, 10% calcium chloride concentration was determined to be optimum and was used for performing the tests. Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and methylcellulose polymers of concentration ranging from 1.25% to 0.3125% were used to enhance the properties. Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose showed a maximum adhesion strength of 80.9 g/cm2 at 0.625% concentration and methylcellulose showed 106.3 g/cm2 at 1.25% concentration. Cytotoxicity tests (IC50) revealed that the polymers at a concentration greater than 1.25% showed decreased cell viability (<70%). Moreover, the average clot formation times varied from 3 minutes to 5 minutes. Heat curing tests revealed that temperature reduced the clot formation time significantly. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that compared to the commercial fibrin glues, the polymer enhanced autologous glue is quite similar in adhesion strength and clotting time, however, it does not have the typical side-effects like allergic reactions associated with the commercial ones. Furthermore, this type of glue is inexpensive in terms of manufacturing costs and the raw materials are also readily available.