Semi-solid albumin solder improved mechanical properties for laser tissue welding

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: A semi-solid albumin solder formulated with hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) was designed to improve the characteristics of liquid and solid solders. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Acute tensile strengths were determined on canine small bowel in vitro by using liquid 50% bovine serum albumin (BSA), semi-solid 48% BSA with HPMC, and solid 60% BSA solder. Long-term healing of liquid and semi-solid solders, compared with a suture control, was evaluated in a porcine skin model, with tensile strength as well as histologic findings obtained on postoperative day 7. RESULTS: Acutely, semi-solid solder demonstrated a significantly (P < 0.05) higher tensile strength when compared with liquid or solid solder. At 7 days, HSA semi-solid and BSA semi-solid had significantly (P < 0.05) higher tensile strength than suture control; however, no differences were seen for liquid or solid solder groups. No differences in histology were appreciable between any of the solder groups in a porcine skin model. CONCLUSION: Acutely and at 7 days, semi-solid solder was stronger than 50% liquid albumin with better handling characteristics.