Dura Mater Repair

Figure 9.6 Scaffolds of radially aligned nanofibers for dura mater repair. (a,b) Fluorescence micrographs showing the migration of dura fibroblasts on scaffolds made of (a) radially aligned nanofibers and (b) random nanofibers, seven days post seeding of the cells at the peripheries of the scaffolds. Radial alignment induced almost complete...

Nunamaker, E.A., Otto, K.J., Kipke, D.R. Investigation of the material properties of alginate for the development of hydrogel repair of dura mater. J. Mech. Behav. Biomed. Mater. 4, 16-33 (2011)... 

Rheumatic fever has been controlled in the western world by a vigorous program of primary and secondary prophylaxis, particularly in susceptible communities but the ravages of subtle infections and uncontrolled epidemics in the third world countries makes scarred valves a common problem in adult life. Valve repair is usually inadequate, since valvular tissue is thickened, fibrosed and often calcified pericardium, dacron and dura mater are inadequate valve tissue substitutes, while homograft and heterograft valves have not proved durable. There is the need for new durable and pliable plastic substances to replace valve tissue, substances that do not need anticoagulants or subsequent replacement. 

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