Abstract
Purpose::
To study the efficacy of a new biosynthetic adhesive mixture composed by a synthetic part (butyl cyanoacrylate / cyanocetate), combined with a biological part (P.R.P. Platelet-Rich Plasma) in lamellar keratoplasty surgery.
Methods::
A 150µm lamellar keratectomy was performed using Moria II microkeratome on 10 albino new Zealand Rabbits. Corneal flaps were separated and sealed with different concentrations of cyanoacrylate/cyanocetate adhesive formulation combined with P.R.P. in a 1:1 ratio. P.R.P. was obtained from animal blood by venipuncture into citrate sterile tubes and centrifuged. Cyanoacrylate monomers were synthesized by Knoevenagel reaction and alkyl cyanoacetate by Fisher esterification.Synthetic adhesive ranging from 5 to 50% of cyanoacrylate/cyanocetate was applied on one side of the flap and P.R.P. was applied on the other side, using a special microbrush. Animals were sacrificed at 72h or 15 days and histological studies were carried out.
Results::
We evaluated different adhesive proportions, from 5% to 50%, of cyanoacrylate / cyanocetate with autologous P.R.P. Experiments in vivo showed that this adhesive provides a total corneal transparency and good sealing in 50-60 seconds. The elastic properties of the adhesive allow reposition of corneal flap during this period. The application of autologous P.R.P. speeds up the healing process and promotes biological adhesion. Histological findings showed no adhesive remaining, presence of eosinophils and mild inflammatory reaction.
Conclusions::
The new combined bioadhesive can be an alternative for surgical sutures on corneal sealing in lamellar keratoplasty. Preliminary in vivo studies showed good adhesive properties in short time. Longer follow-ups will be performed in order to better observe the evolution of the bioadhesive-treated corneas.
Keywords: growth factors/growth factor receptors • lesion study • wound healing