P-001 FORMING A LIVING TISSUE MODEL OF THE POSTERIOIR RECTUS SHEATH. (13th October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Whitehead-Clarke, T; Mair, A; Kureshi, A; Mudera, V
• Is Part Of: British journal of surgery. Volume 109(2022)Supplement 7
• Publication Date: 2022-10-13
• Subjects: Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znac308.101
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1323

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: To develop an in-vitro model of the posterior rectus sheath. The model should be formed of living cells and aligned collagen that is of a similar thickness and tensile strength to the posterior rectus sheath. Materials and Methods: Rectangular Fibroblast populated Colagen matrices (FPCMs) were formed using rat-tail collagen and seeded with an immortal cell line of human fibroblasts. FPCMs were formed into 3D-printed tethered gel moulds where they were tethered at opposing ends to induce the formation of an aligned construct. FPCMs were cultured for 10 days. After 10 days, excess fluid was removed and the constructs were plastic compressed under custom made compression blocks. Constructs were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde. Constructs underwent flouresence icroscopy, second harmonic generation microscopy and uniaxial tensile strength analysis. Results: 6 constructs were developed. Lateral alignment of both fibroblatss and collagen were confirmed on flouresence and second harmonic generation microscopy respectively. Median construct thickness after compression was 0.57mm. Tensile strength analysis still awaited. Conclusion: - here we present one of the first ever in-vitro models of the posterioir rectus sheath made with living human fibroblasts. It represents a novel potential development of a "living mesh" or rectus shetah transplant. Our model will be further optimised in the coming months by introducing human rectus sheath fibroblasts.