Rapid In Vitro Screening of Polymers for Biocompatibility

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A rapid in vitro screening protocol to guide selection and monitoring of polymers for implant or extracorporeal applications is described. There are four main procedures under the protocol: 1) and 2) measurement of physical property change over thermal and simulated biochemical stress, 3) infrared spectrophotometric assay of migratible species developed over simulated biochemical stress, and 4) cell culture sensitivity to those migratible species. In vivo biochemical stress was simulated and accelerated by exposing polymer specimens to a pseudoextracellular fluid (PECF) at 120°C for 62 hr. Results from procedures 3) and 4) are presented. These show a good correlation between cell culture response and the total carbon-hydrogen bonds developed in the PSF over the exposure period. Correlation of these data with available clinical and animal implant experience is consistent and is discussed in detail. Infrared assays for a candidate polymer may be obtained at relatively low cost within 4 days and stand as a rational basis for rejection or retention for preclinical in vivo studies.

This publication has 15 references indexed in Scilit: