Development of a Novel, Nearly Insoluble Antiadhesive Membrane

Background: Sodium hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose (HA/CMC) is difficult to use in a moist environment because of its susceptibility to moisture. Methods: We developed the three-layered nDM-14R membrane. The surface layers are composed of 1-lactide, glycolide and e-caprolactone copolymers. HA/CMC and nDM-14R were used in all these studies. (1) The central region of 1 × 10 cm specimens (n = 5) was moistened for 0, 5, 10, 20, 30 or 60 s, after which the tensile strength was determined; (2) one side of specimens of 1 × 10 cm (n = 5) was moistened with agar gel for 5, 10, 15 or 30 s, after which the adhesion strength was determined, and (3) Rat cecum (n = 10) was scratched, 3 × 3 cm specimens were placed on the scratched area, and adhesions were evaluated on postoperative day 14. Results and Conclusion: (1) The tensile strength of nDM-14R after contact for 10–30 s was greater than that of HA/CMC. (2) The adhesive strength of HA/CMC after contact for 5–10 s was greater than that of nDM-14R. (3) Adhesion scores in treatment groups were significantly lower than in the control group. The results suggest that nDM-14R has the same antiadhesive effect and allows easier placement under moist conditions than HA/CMC.