Biomechanical evaluation of microbial cellulose (Zoogloea sp.) and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membranes as implants in repair of produced abdominal wall defects in rats

To evaluate the Load of Rupture of implants of membranes of microbial cellulose (Zoogloea sp.) and extended polytetrafuoroethylene in sharp defects of abdominal wall of rats. Methods: Sixty Wistar male rats, with a mean weight of 437,7g +/- 40,9, anesthetized by a mixture of ketamine (5mg/100g) and xylazine (2mg/100g), were submitted to a rectangular (2x3cm) excision of the abdominal wall, including fascia, muscle and peritoneum, and treated with membranes of microbial cellulose (MC) (MC Group- 30 animals) or extended polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) (ePTFE Group- 30 animals). Each group was subdivided in 14(th) POD, 28(th) POD and 60(th) POD Subgroups. Under anesthesia, animals were submitted to euthanasia at 14(th) POD, 28(th) POD and 60(th) POD for evaluation of Load of Rupture. Results: Load of Rupture levels were significantly elevated (p < 0, 05) among 14(th) 28(th) and 60(th) postoperative days from each Group. When compared between groups, values of Load of Rupture were significantly larger (p < 0. 05) in ePTFE Group than in MC Group. Conclusion: Resistance to strength at implant/host interface was more pronounced in PTFEe Group than in MC Group.