Immunogenecity of modified alkane polymers is mediated through TLR1/2 activation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

With the advancement of biomedical technology, artificial materials have been developed to replace diseased, damaged or nonfunctional body parts. Among such materials, ultra high molecular weight alkane or modified alkyl polymers have been extensively used in heart valves, stents, pacemakers, ear implants, as well as total joint replacement devices. Although much research has been undertaken to design the most non-reactive biologically inert polyethylene derivatives, strong inflammatory responses followed by rejection and failure of the implant have been noted.

Methodology/principal findings

Purification of the alkane polymers from the site of inflammation revealed extensive "in vivo" oxidation as detected by fourier transformed infra-red spectroscopy. Herein, we

SUBMITTER: Maitra R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2413007 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature