OBJECTIVETo prepare a new xenogenic material using patented biochemical techniques for tissue disposal and investigate its possibility to be used as implant materials.

METHODSThe xenogenic implant materials were prepared by treatment of fresh porcine tendon with epoxy cross-linking fixation, antigen minimization procedures, mechanical enhancement by protein molecule modification and surface treatments. Histological and scanning electron microscopic observations were conducted, and physicochemical property assessment was carried out to determine the mechanical properties, protein contents, polyepoxy compound residual and stability of the material. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the material was tested in NCTC L929 cells, and the optical density of the cells at 24, 48, and 72 h of the treatments was determined to calculate the relative growth rate (RGR).

RESULTSHistological observation suggested that the xenogenic implant material consisted primarily of collagen without cell fragments. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated homogeneous alignment of the collagen fibers in the material. The tensile strength of the material was 11-16 MPa, and the breaking elongation rate was 52%-67%; the protein contents was 94% with polyepoxy compound residual less than 5 microg/ml. The material maintained stable pH value in PBS. The L929 cells incubated with the biomaterials grew well with a relative growth rate over 89%.

CONCLUSIONThe new biomaterial has good physicochemical properties and good biocompatibility, and may served as a promising implant material.