Concentrated autologous plasma protein: A biochemically neutral solder fortissue 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 wa s evaluated via (1) thermal denaturation studies using differential scannin g calorimetry, (2) tissue welding studies to characterize both acute and he aling properties. Results: The optimal concentration method to produce CAPPS rapidly was a di alysis method using chemical (osmotic) forces. The CAPPS showed similar den aturation profiles to serum albumin (SA) solders. Acutely, CAPPS provided c omparable breaking strengths to SA solders. At 7 days, there was no signifi cant difference in breaking strength or histology between 50% human SA sold er and CAPPS (using a porcine skin model). Conclusion: These studies demonstrate that the CAPPS system provides accept able acute and chronic properties for laser welding. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, I nc.