Investigations of mIPN tissue interactions using fluorescent probes

Abstract (Swedish)

Several millions of people worldwide are affected by bowel diseases and necessitate gastrointestinal surgery. Anastomosis is the union of two healthy ends of the bowel achieved by suture or stapling. One of the most feared complications after surgery are anastomotic leaks which occur in around 10 % of patients. The unintended breakdown of the newly created connection can lead to leakage of digestive fluids into the surrounding tissues and lead to severe complications such as sepsis and death. A newly developed adhesive is capable of sealing the leaks and maintain stability towards harsh conditions such as the gastrointestinal fluids. This adhesive containing a hydrogel patch is attached to the tissue through a mutually interpenetrating network (mIPN). This first of its kind network polymerizes in both hydrogel patch and tissue creating a leak-tight sealant. Where the depth of the polymerization within the tissue translates to the adhesion energy. The study of the penetration depth of mIPN is currently performed by Raman spectroscopy. However, this technique presents a drawback, it is very time consuming. This study focuses on an alternative method to study the mIPN using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Through the addition of a fluorescent probe, Eosin Y, the mIPN can be studied and produce direct post-application observations. The evolution of the penetration depth of mIPN is observed throughout different experiments presented in this work.

Popular Abstract

Today in our world, there are several million human beings that are affected by bowel diseases that necessitate surgery. This specific procedure is known as anastomosis (gastrointestinal surgery). This surgical operation is the union of two healthy ends of the bowel that is achieved by either suture or stapling. However, complications can occur; around 10 % of the patients that have undergone the surgery are affected by anastomosis leaks. The unintended breakdown of the newly created connection can lead to leakage of digestive fluids into the surrounding tissues, which, in turn, gives rise to severe complications such as sepsis and in worst cases death. To overcome the anastomosis leaks, a newly developed adhesive is capable of sealing the leaks and is able to maintain the stability towards the harsh conditions found in the bowel, such as gastrointestinal fluids. This adhesive contains two major parts; the first is the patch which will give the sealing properties, second is the “glue” which will connect the patch to the tissue. This “glue” is a mutually interpenetrating network (mIPN), meaning that it will be able to penetrate both into the patch and the tissue to achieve specific properties, the most important being a leak-tight sealant. The penetration depth of the mIPN within the tissue and the patch will dictate how strong the patch is attached to the tissue. This study focuses on analyzing the penetration depth of the mIPN using a specific microscope known as CLSM (confocal laser scanning microscopy). By adding fluorescent molecules to the mIPN mix and focusing a laser, the observations of the sample can be studied. Thus, observation of the evolution of the penetration depth is observed throughout different experiments presented in this work.

• author: Folkesson, Jesper
• supervisor: Cedric Dicko
• organization: Pure and Applied Biochemistry
• course: KBKM01 20232
• year: 2023
• type: H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
• subject: Technology and Engineering
• keywords: Applied biochemistry, gastrointestinal surgery, CLSM, confocal laser scanning microscopy
• language: English
• id: 9144927
• date added to LUP: 2024-04-25 09:07:32
• date last changed: 2024-04-25 09:07:32