The Effect of Projection Microstereolithographic Fabricated Implant Geometry on Myocutaneous Revascularization

Understanding cell behavior inside three-dimensional (3D) microenvironments with controlled spatial patterning of physical and biochemical factors could provide insight into the basic biology of tissue engraftment, vascular anastomosis, and revascularization. A simple layer by layer projection microstereolithography (PμSL) method was utilized to investigate the effects of a nonporous and porous bioinert barrier on myocutaneous flap engraftment and revascularization. A cranialbased, peninsular-shaped myocutaneous flap was surgically created on the dorsum of C57Bl6 mice. Porous (SP) and nonporous (S) silicone implants were tailored to precise flap dimensions and inserted between the flap and recipient bed prior to sutured wound closure. Porous implant myocutaneous flaps became engrafted to the recipient site with complete viability. In contrast, distal cutaneous necrosis and resultant flap dehiscence was evident by day 10 in nonporous implant flap mice. Laser speckle contrast imaging demonstrated flap revascularization in (SP) mice, and markedly reduced distal flap reperfusion in (S) mice. Histologic analysis of day 10 (SP) flaps revealed granulation tissue rich in blood vessels and macrophages growing through the implant pores and robust neovascularization of the distal flap. In contrast, the nonporous implant prevented tissue Corresponding author.