3.3.4. In vivo degradation of the P4HB scaffold
The degradation of P4HB scaffold was determined by change in molecular
weightover time (Figure 5A). The average Mw of the P4HB scaffold
gradually decreased significantly over time, 279 ± 3 kDa (SD), 201 ± 5
kDa (SD) and 104 ± 7 kDa (SD) at 0-, 60- and 180- days
post-implantation, respectively. The integrity and morphological changes
of the implant was visualised by SEM (Figure 5B). The monofilament of
P4HB scaffold with smooth surface pre-implantation kept its overall
macroscopic integrity at both time-points. SEM images revealed the
formation of fibre surface erosion over time. At 60 days, there were
only superficial scratches on the fibres, which gradually progressed
into surface fissuring over 180 days post-implantation.
Figure 5.