NEW ARTIFICIAL CONNECTIVE MATRIX MADE OF FIBRIN MONOMERS, ELASTIN PEPTIDES AND TYPE I+III COLLAGENS - STRUCTURAL STUDY, BIOCOMPATIBILITY AND USE AS TYMPANIC MEMBRANES IN RABBIT

Experiments leading to the conception and development of a new artificial connective matrix based on collagen-elastin-fibrin associations are presented. Preliminary evaluation of this biomaterial as an artificial tympanic membrane is described. Morphological evaluation was performed by histopathological and scanning electron microscopic studies. Biocompatibility was documented by subcutaneous implantation and experimental grafting in rabbits was performed with histopathological studies of the tympanic grafted membranes. The positive results obtained in this experimental study enable future studies in humans to be prepared.