Engineered hydrogel could make testicular reconstruction feel more natural
Researchers at UBC's Okanagan and Vancouver campuses are developing a softer testicular implant that could offer patients a more natural feel following surgical reconstruction.
Scientists at the University of British Columbia's Okanagan and Vancouver campuses are creating a softer testicular implant that could provide patients with a more natural sensation after surgical reconstruction. The prototype utilizes a hydrogel material rich in water, which more accurately reproduces the behavior of natural tissue when exposed to pressure and movement.
Laboratory results published in two recent studies suggest this new approach holds promise for further investigation. Dr. Hadi Mohammadi, an associate professor of biomedical and mechanical engineering at UBC Okanagan, emphasizes that the success of a testicular implant hinges not only on its shape and durability but also on how it feels to the patient.
According to a study of 171 implant recipients, more than half found the existing implants too firm, despite overall satisfaction. The findings were published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine. Collaborating with Dr. Ryan Flannigan from UBC's Department of Urologic Sciences and the Reproductive and Sexual Medicine Centre, Mohammadi and his team are exploring whether a different material could alleviate this issue.
The prototype is constructed from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel, a polymer network that holds water to create a soft and flexible substance. By repeatedly freezing and thawing the material, the team has strengthened its structure without adding any chemical binders. The formulation can be adjusted to alter the implant's firmness.
Natural tissue deforms under pressure and recovers subsequently, and the researchers aim to mimic this response with the hydrogel. To achieve this, they compared various hydrogel formulations with natural testicular tissue and a commercially available silicone implant. Compression, stretching, sustained pressure, and repeated loading tests revealed that a formulation containing 10% PVA most closely matched the mechanical properties of natural tissue and maintained stability through 1,000 compression cycles.
However, additional testing is required to determine the material's interaction with the body, its long-term durability, and its potential to enhance patient comfort and satisfaction.
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