Puraply grafts are biological medical devices that support the body’s natural tissue repair and regeneration. They provide a structural framework that facilitates the natural healing processes. Temporary scaffolds, they guide cellular activity to restore tissue integrity.
Components of Puraply Graft
Puraply grafts are composed of porcine (pig) small intestinal submucosa (SIS). This material is an extracellular matrix (ECM) derived from the submucosal layers of the porcine jejunum. The extracellular matrix is a complex, non-cellular network of macromolecules like collagen fibers, proteoglycans, and multiadhesive matrix proteins that surround and support cells within tissues.
The SIS-ECM provides a three-dimensional structure that includes various proteins such as collagen types I, III, IV, and V, as well as growth factors like fibroblast growth factor-2, transforming growth factor-β1, and vascular endothelial growth factor. These components offer biochemical cues and a supportive environment for cellular activities during tissue repair. The material is an acellular matrix, meaning the original pig cells are removed during processing.
Processing for Medical Use
The raw porcine SIS material undergoes specialized processing for medical use. This process involves decellularization, which removes cells and genetic material from the tissue. This minimizes immune response upon implantation.
After decellularization, the extracellular matrix structure is preserved. The material then undergoes sterilization to eliminate pathogens and ensure safety. Common sterilization methods for biological tissues include gamma radiation or chemical processes like peracetic acid and ethanol, selected to maintain the graft’s biological and biomechanical properties.
Key Properties and Advantages
Puraply grafts are suitable for tissue repair and regeneration. Their extracellular matrix structure acts as a natural scaffold, supporting cell attachment, migration, and proliferation. This scaffold guides the body’s own cells in rebuilding and remodeling damaged tissue.
The material is biocompatible, meaning it can be integrated into the host tissue without eliciting a strong adverse reaction. This allows for host tissue integration and constructive remodeling, where the graft is gradually replaced by the patient’s own new tissue rather than forming scar tissue. Some Puraply variants also incorporate polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), a broad-spectrum antimicrobial, to manage bioburden and promote healing.
Common Applications
Puraply grafts are used in medical procedures to support tissue healing. They are frequently used in wound management for chronic and acute wounds, including partial and full-thickness wounds, pressure ulcers, venous ulcers, and diabetic ulcers. Their scaffold properties help facilitate closure in wounds that may otherwise struggle to heal.
These grafts also find application in surgical contexts for soft tissue reinforcement and repair. This includes procedures such as hernia repair, where the graft provides additional strength to weakened tissue. Additionally, they are used in managing surgical wounds, including donor sites and areas affected by trauma.