Evaluation of Sericin as a Tissue Adhesive in Dorsal L-strut Reconstruction: An Experimental Study in a Rabbit Model

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of sericin as a novel tissue adhesive for dorsal L-strut reconstruction in a rabbit model and to assess its feasibility as a biocompatible and cost-effective alternative to conventional fixation methods in septoplasty. Eighteen healthy male New Zealand White Albino rabbits were randomly assigned to two groups: sericin and suture (n = 9 each). The nasal septum was accessed using a superior approach. Cartilage grafts were harvested from the septal cartilage of all animals while preserving the L-strut support. Subsequently, the dorsal part of the L-strut support was bisected with a vertical incision. In the suture group, the septal graft was sutured onto the vertical incision line on the dorsal strut using 5–0 polydioxanone. In the sericin group, the septal graft treated with sericin was fixed in place over the vertical incision line of the dorsal strut. After eight weeks, all animals were sacrificed. Nasal septa were examined histopathologically. Among the histopathological parameters compared between the suture and sericin groups, no statistically significant differences were observed in acute inflammation (p = 1.000), chronic inflammation (p = 1.000), vascularization (p = 1.000), fibrosis (p = 0.130), cartilage proliferation (p = 0.632), bone proliferation (p = 0.329), new cartilage cell formation (p = 0.632), empty lacunae and hypocellularity (p = 1.000), cartilage cell degeneration (p = 0.774), or foreign body giant cell formation (p = 0.471). The study indicates that sericin may provide reliable stabilization in septal cartilage reconstruction, supported by macroscopic integrity and histological evidence of mature fibroconnective tissue bridging. Its favorable biocompatibility profile, reflected by the absence of adverse inflammatory reactions, suggests that sericin may represent a viable bioadhesive alternative to conventional suture fixation.