Grants Funded

Abstract

Project Summary: Soft tissue defects are a common concern in plastic surgery and represent a significant aesthetic challenge. Aging, trauma, and disease all contribute to the natural loss of dermal collagen and fat. These defects are also commonly created by surgeons following various excision procedures. As a result, there is a need for suitable materials that safely and effectively restore areas of depletion. Soft tissue fillers have been used for decades for reconstructive and aesthetic procedures. Several natural and synthetic fillers have been used clinically for tissue augmentation and for restoration of function. Currently used agents can be broadly categorized into either permanent or temporary fillers. They include autologous fat as well as manufactured biologic compounds. Each of these has their disadvantages. With the aim of developing a safer, equally effective, and more affordable alternative, the present proposal aims to develop a novel plant-derived, injectable methylcellulose (MC) soft tissue filler. Methylcellulose is an FDA-approved, water-soluble, cellulose-derived polysaccharide that is available in high purity forms and has found several biomedical applications due to its biocompatibility and low-cost. Given its plant-based origin, MC is less likely to elicit an immune response, which is a key advantage over other animal-derived natural fillers, such as collagen and hydroxyapatite. Furthermore, the absence of the cellulose-digesting enzyme, cellulase, in humans affords suitable mechanical stability and longevity of MC in vivo in comparison to other natural biomaterial fillers that are susceptible to enzymatic breakdown. The investigators aim to examine the ability of MC products to safely and effectively reconstruct surgically-created, subcutaneous, soft tissue defects.

Impact Statement: Soft tissue deficiencies affect millions of people worldwide, causing both aesthetic and functional concerns. The plant-derived, injectable methylcellulose (MC) has shown promise as a novel, soft tissue filler. The investigators are examining the ability of MC to safely and effectively restore contour to surgically-created subcutaneous defects. Recent studies by our laboratory have shown MC fillers to be stable in vivo with a similar viscosity and appearance to the native tissues they are designed to replace. The present study hopes to demonstrate longevity and mechanical stability of these compounds as they are applied to surgically created soft tissue defects.

Biography
Peter J. Taub, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.A.P., is a Professor of Surgery, Pediatrics and Dentistry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai as well as attending plastic and reconstructive surgeon at The Mount Sinai Medical Center and Elmhurst Hospital Center. Dr. Taub is board certified in both General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. After completing his training, Dr. Taub returned to New York to serve as the Chief of the Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery service at New York Medical College and the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital as well as the Director of the Westchester Craniofacial Center. In addition, he is an active member of the Mount Sinai Cleft and Craniofacial Center and the national professional societies ASPS, ACPA, PSRC, ASMS, and NYAM.