Nanometric-Scale-Polished, Engineered Surgical Scalpel Blades Reduce Tissue Inflammation and Scarring

Background/Objectives: The insertion of engineered scaffolds and tissues requires precise surgical implantation with minimal interfacial scarring. Nanometric scale material polishing technologies developed for manufacturing microelectronic circuits make it possible to polish and sharpen surgical instruments at near-atomic-scale precision. We tested the hypothesis that the use of precision-sharpened scalpel blades would result in less tissue inflammation and incisional scarring. Methods: Parallel contralateral para-spinal longitudinal 4 cm long skin incisions in guinea pigs were performed, one side with a standard scalpel blade (SB) and the other with a polished nanometric scale, engineered experimental scalpel blade (EB). The side used for the polished blade was alternated and blinded from the histochemistry analysis team. The wound was excised at five time points (1, 3, 7, 16, and 60 days) with five animals per group. Histological and histochemical differences were compared. Results: The EB resulted in less bleeding, better wound adherence, relatively less macrophage density, scar volume, and granulation tissue, and significantly reduced levels of M1, M2, and TGF-β expression. Conclusions: Nanometric-scale-polished surgical scalpel blades produce significantly less tissue inflammation, scarring, and fibrosis.