Technical documentation

By using fluorescent polysorbate 80 coated poly(n-butylcyanoacrylate) (PBCA) nanoparticles in an in vivo study, direct evidence was found for the presence of nanoparticles entering the brain and retina of rats. The nanoparticles, prepared with a miniemulsion process, were labeled in situ with a fluorescent dye and coated with polysorbate 80. After preparation the particle size, ζ potential, and the molecular weight distribution were determined. BMEC cells were used as an in vitro model for the BBB.

Cyanoacrylate glues are easily applied to wounds with good cosmetic results. However, they tend to be brittle and can induce local tissue toxicity. A series of cyanoacrylate monomers with a flexible ether linkage and varying side-chain lengths was synthesized and characterized for potential use as tissue adhesives. The effect of side-chain length on synthesis yield, physical and mechanical properties, formaldehyde generation, cytotoxicity in vitro and biocompatibility in vivo were examined.

Despite the latest polymer materials and surgical suturing techniques, the knot will always be the weakest point of the tied suture loop. In theory, the knot must be as small as possible to prevent an excessive amount of tissue reaction and a delay in healing. There have been reports suggesting that topical cyanoacrylate adhesives could have a reinforcing effect on a surgeon’s knot. Such an outcome could lead to the elimination of knot slippage and the unsatisfactory performance of some surgical knots.