Concentrated autologous plasma protein : A biochemically neutral solder for tissue welding

Background and Objective Xenographic or allographic serum protein solders used for laser welding may have immunologic and/or pathogenic complications. The objective of these studies was to develop a safe, autologous solder. Study Design/Materials and Methods Five methods of preparing concentrated autologous plasma protein solder (CAPPS) were evaluated. Next, the CAPPS was evaluated via (1) thermal denaturation studies using differential scanning calorimetry, (2) tissue welding studies to characterize both acute and healing properties. Results The optimal concentration method to produce CAPPS rapidly was a dialysis method using chemical (osmotic) forces. The CAPPS showed similar denaturation profiles to serum albumin (SA) solders. Acutely, CAPPS provided comparable breaking strengths to SA solders. At 7 days, there was no significant difference in breaking strength or histology between 50% human SA solder and CAPPS (using a porcine skin model). Conclusions These studies demonstrate that the CAPPS system provides acceptable acute and chronic properties for laser welding. Lasers Surg. Med. 29:336–342, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.