Comparison of the bacteriostatic effects, corneal cytotoxicity, and the ability to seal corneal incisions among three different tissue adhesives
Journal
Cornea
Journal Volume
26
Journal Issue
10
Pages
1228-1234
Date Issued
2007
Author(s)
Abstract
PURPOSE: To compare the bacteriostatic effects, corneal cytotoxicity, and ability to seal corneal incisions among fibrin glue and 2 commercially available cyanoacrylate derivatives: N-butyl cyanoacrylate and methoxypropyl cyanoacrylate. METHODS: The bacteriostatic activities of these tissue glues were verified by measuring the zones of bacterial growth inhibition surrounding the adhesive droplets on agar plates inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, or Mycobacterium chelonae. Corneal cytotoxicity was tested by a direct contact method by using cultured bovine corneal epithelial cells, keratocytes, and corneal endothelial cells challenged with droplets of adhesives. Each of the cells was treated with droplets of adhesives. The ability to seal corneal incisions was verified by calculating the maximum intraocular pressure resistant to leakage of rabbit corneal stab wounds sealed with tissue adhesives. RESULTS: Methoxypropyl cyanoacrylate and N-butyl cyanoacrylate showed bacteriostatic effects against S. aureus, S. pneumoniae, and M. chelonae but not P. aeruginosa and E. coli. In contrast, fibrin glue had no such effects against either Gram-positive or -negative bacteria (P < 0.01). Methoxypropyl cyanoacrylate showed the highest levels of corneal cytotoxicity, followed by N-butyl cyanoacrylate. Fibrin glue, however, showed minimal cytotoxicity (P < 0.01). Methoxypropyl cyanoacrylate and N-butyl cyanoacrylate also displayed a greater ability to seal corneal incisions than that of fibrin glue (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The bacteriostatic effects, corneal cytotoxicity, and ability to seal corneal incisions differed among the 3 compounds tested. These different properties should be considered when choosing tissue adhesives during corneal surgery.
Type
journal article
