In vivo Studies of Chitosan Fiber Resorption

Abstract

Scanning electron microscopy and histologic analysis were used in the comparative in vivo study of resorption of chitosan fibers implanted into endomysium and perimysium of a rat latissimus dorsi muscle. It was demonstrated that the mechanism and rate of chitosan fiber resorption depend on the position of fibers in muscular tissue. After implantation of chitosan fibers into endomysium (when chitosan was in direct contact with muscle fibers), the formation of cross-sectional cracks, fragmentation of implanted fibers and its partial resorption were observed in 14 days. Complete chitosan resorption in endomysium occurred after 30 days only. Chitosan fibers implanted into perimysium preserved integrity for 7 days, and fibrous tissue was formed around implants. After 45 days of exposure, no signs of chitosan fiber destruction were registered in this case.