Comparative study of the in vitro interaction of two fibroblast cell lines with a polyalkyl-imide hydrogel.

The in vitro effects of polyalkyl-imide hydrogel (PAI) containing 96% pyrogen-free water on the viability, apoptosis, cell shape and metabolic activities of murine 3T3 and human Detroit 555 fibroblasts were investigated. Analysis of the viscous-elastic properties and the ultrastructure of PAI, performed by rheometer and AFM respectively, showed that the material has the typical characteristics of hydrogel, including a three-dimensional configuration of molecules arranged in a regular network with many discrete caveolae where most of the water is captured. Hydrogel biocompatibility was found to be high for both cell lines, with some differences.

In vivo effects of a novel degradable filler.

Novel types of permanent and transient fillers are proposed both in plastic and reconstructive surgery and in dermatology. Different molecules with high biocompatibility, no side effects, and slow degradation rate in human tissues are emerging. The importance of degradable fillers significantly increased in recent years for a variety of reasons: surgical injection of these materials is easier and with less side effects; treatment could be performed in a short time; patient's reported pain is scant; treatment-related expenses and cost for the patient are relatively low.

Bio-Alcamid in drug-induced lipodystrophy.

The development of new drugs to counter human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has led to an increase in lipodystrophic syndrome among HIV-infected individuals receiving combination therapy. Bio-Alcamid(TM) is a recently developed polymeric substance that can be implanted to compensate for adipose effects. We have implanted this substance in 73 patients with up to three years' follow-up.

Bio-alcamid: a novelty for reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.

Research for new biocompatible and easily implantable materials continously proposes new molecules and new substances with biological, chemical and physical characteristics more and more adapted to aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. Bio-Alcamid (Polymekon, Italy) is a non reabsorbable polymeric material composed of alkylimide-amide groups. This cosmetic agent has been used for the treatment of 2000 patients by a multicentric trial led by different Hospitals and University in Italy and abroad.