Scaffold material is essential in providing mechanical support to tissue, allowing stem cells to improve their function in the healing and repair of trauma sites and tissue regeneration. The scaffold aids cell organization in the damaged tissue. It serves and allows bio mimicking the mechanical and biological properties of the target tissue and facilitates cell proliferation and differentiation at the regeneration site. In this study, the developed and assayed bio-composite made of unique collagen fibers and alginate hydrogel supports the function of cells around the implanted material. We used an in vivo rat model to study the scaffold effects when transplanted subcutaneously and as an augment for tendon repair. Animals’ well-being was measured by their weight and daily activity post scaffold transplantation during their recovery. At the end of the experiment, the bio-composite was histologically examined, and the surrounding tissues around the implant were evaluated for inflammation reaction and scarring tissue. In the histology, the formation of granulation tissue and fibroblasts that were part of the inclusion process of the implanted material were noted. At the transplanted sites, inflammatory cells, such as plasma cells, macrophages, and giant cells, were also observed as expected at this time point post transplantation. This study demonstrated not only the collagen-alginate device biocompatibility, with no cytotoxic effects on the analyzed rats, but also that the 3D structure enables cell migration and new blood vessel formation needed for tissue repair. Overall, the results of the current study proved for the first time that the implantable scaffold for long-term confirms the well-being of these rats and is correspondence to biocompatibility ISO standards and can be further developed for medical devices application.
Introduction: Door openings and increased foot traffic in operating rooms (ORs) during total joint arthroplasty are thought to increase the risk of surgical site infection. Methods: Digital manometers were used to collect pressure data during off-hours at the thresholds of both the outer door (ie, the door to the common OR hallway) and the inner substerile door, which opens to the substerile hallway, of six empty ORs used for total joint arthroplasty. Airflow patterns were visualized with smoke studies to determine whether outside air entered the ORs during single or multiple door openings. Data were analyzed using the Student t-test and one-way analysis of variance. Results: Positive pressure was not defeated during any door-opening event. The average time for recovery of the initial pressurization in the OR regardless of the door used was between 14 and 15 seconds (P = 0.462). No differences in the degree of room depressurization were noted between entry of personnel through the outer door, passing of a surgical tray through the outer door, and entry of personnel through the inner door (P = 0.312). Smoke studies confirmed that no contaminated outside air entered the OR with single door opening. Outside air entered the OR if two doors were open simultaneously. Conclusion: Single door opening does not defeat OR positive pressure, but simultaneous opening of two doors allows contaminated air to flow into the OR. OR traffic should continue to be limited during surgical procedures. OR personnel should be educated about the danger to the sterile field that can result from simultaneous door openings and should be discouraged from such activity.