Viscose cellulose sponge as an implantable matrix: changes in the structure increase the production of granulation tissue.

Since the 1950s a number of implantable substances have been used to study granulation tissue formation: steel mesh, polyvinylalcohol (PVA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyurethane, and viscose cellulose sponges (VCS). The side effects of these materials on granulation tissue formation vary considerably. An ideal material does not interfere with the normal wound-healing process and collects as many cells as possible for further analysis. Viscose cellulose sponge has been shown to be one of the most inert materials for this purpose. In this study we examined the correlation between changes in the structure of the sponge and the number of cells harvested and the synthesis of granulation tissue after subcutaneous implantation in rats. It was discovered that it is possible to control the structure of the sponge and by certain changes in this structure increase the number of invading cells and the production of granulation tissue in the sponge. There is, however, a distinct plateau after which changes in structure do not increase the number of invading cells and the production of granulation tissue in the sponge.