After many years of searching, UW researchers claim they have found the “perfect” hydrogel. One that resists the body's reaction the foreign materials such as artificial heart valves, prosthetics and tissue scaffolds. Based on a demonstration of the hydrogel as a coating for implantable devices in mice, the scientists believe the hydrogel prevents the body's biological response for the critical first several weeks after implant. During these weeks the body would normally isolate the implant and form a collagen wall between the implant and body, preventing the implant-body cooperation that was intended. After this period, it is more unlikely for the body to mount an attack on the implant. In the mice study, the collagen was observed to be loosely and evenly distributed around the implant after several weeks indicating the body had not detected the implant.

     This is a huge step toward introducing major recent accomplishments in tissue engineering to patients across the board and will allow more sustainable prosthetic use. This summer I worked on a project that involved learning about the issues with current total knee replacement technology which include a high rate of revision surgery in part due to fibrous tissue development (collagen buildup). If this material really can prevent initial physiological attack, all patients will reap an improved quality of life and a stronger implant due to the opportunity this hydrogel creates for positive ingrowth.

http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/v31/n6/full/nbt.2580.html

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130514122801.htm