Sponge-like hybrid hydrogels for endoprosthetics in oculo-orbital area

In recent years, significant progress has been made in both the synthesis of metal nanoparticles and the creation of hydrogel platforms. It is assumed that their synergistic combination will allow to create the advanced hydrogel nanocomposites for the repair of anatomical and functional disorders of the human body, as well as for the needs of reconstructive surgery. The aim of the study is to develop a porous polymeric material based on polyvinylformal with incorporated functional hydrogels and gold nanoparticles, the study of its physicochemical properties and biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo. The developed hybrid hydrogel material is intended for use in reconstructive surgery of the oculo-orbital area and for filling postoperative cavities with simultaneous prevention of recurrence. The morphology of the synthesized hybrid hydrogel composites with gold nanoparticles was investigated by means of electron microscopy (SEM), while their thermal stability was studied by TGA and DSC methods. It was proved that the synthesized hybrid hydrogel materials demonstrate thermal stability in a wide temperature range, which significantly exceeds the range of their application, and can withstand steam sterilization (121 °C) without significant changes. The synthesized hybrid hydrogels were characterized as biocompatible in vitro according to the parameters of cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and biochemical markers (ATPase and LDHase activity) using L929 cell line. The study of the soft tissue reaction to implantation in vivo demonstrated the formation of fibrous tissue on the periphery and inside the implant, and a marked decrease in macrophage-histiocyte reaction and inflammatory infiltration in favor of fibroblastic proliferation and the absence of resorption, which creates the prerequisites for a stable clinical result. Thus, the developed spongy hybrid hydrogel material can be used in reconstructive surgery of the maxillofacial and ophthalmic-orbital areas.