Abstract:

Objective To determine and compare the mechanical properties of several biomaterials used for urethral reconstruction. Methods Materials for scaffolds such as bladder acellular matrix graft (BAMG), small intestinal submucosa (SIS), acellular corpus spongiosum matrix (ACSM) and polyglycolic acid (PGA) were prepared, and gross observation, HE and Masson staining were performed. The Young's modulus, maximal load, tensile strength, elongation at break were tested and compared among SIS group, BAMG freeze-drying preservation group, BAMG liquid preservation group, ACSM group, PGA group, normal rabbit urethra group and 4SIS group (4-layer SIS). Results The thickness of ACSM was different from the other materials, and richer and denser collagen was observed in ACSM by HE and Masson staining. The results of mechanical property tests were: ACSM group>PGA group>4SIS group>BAMG liquid preservation group>BAMG freeze-drying preservation group>normal rabbit urethra group>SIS group for Young's modulus; ACSM group>4SIS group>PGA group>BAMG liquid preservation group>BAMG freeze-drying preservation group>normal rabbit urethra group>SIS group for maximal load; ACSM group>4SIS group>PGA group>BAMG liquid preservation group>BAMG freeze-drying preservation group>normal rabbit urethra group >SIS group for tensile strength; normal rabbit urethra group>SIS group>BAMG freeze-drying preservation group>4SIS group>BAMG liquid preservation group>ACSM group>PGA group for elongation at break. The properties of Young's modulus, maximal load and tensile strength in ACSM group were significantly better than those of the other groups (P<0.01). Conclusion ACSM enjoys excellent mechanical properties, and may perform better than SIS, BAMG and PGA in urethral reconstruction.

Key words: scaffold, mechanical property, tissue engineering