Abstract

Breast cancer is a significant health issue for women currently targeted by national health strategies. Considering the physical and psychological impact on quality of life, a large percentage of women will opt for breast reconstruction through implants after mastectomy. One of the inevitable consequences of breast implantation and the body's response to it is capsular contracture, which often leads to health complications and the need for revision surgery. Therefore, the main objective of the project was to design, develop, and obtain new bioinstructive interfaces for the silicone capsule of the breast implant, with specific modulated features (topography, surface chemistry, and strength/wear). These aim for a final antibacterial response and low inflammation with an impact on reducing capsular contracture.

To achieve this primary objective, the project addressed the following bioengineering solutions:

1. Designing and obtaining multi-architectural bi- and three-dimensional textures of silicone to reduce surface wear of the implant and minimize antibacterial and antifibrotic responses.

2. Modifying surface chemistry using the synergistic effect of zwitterionic polymers with antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory compounds (Pirfenidone, Lactoferrin).

3. Specific surface functionalization through laser techniques for the controlled incorporation into a biodegradable zwitterionic polymer of synergistic antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory compounds.

Additionally, the BRESeif project approached in a multidisciplinary manner the obtaining and optimization of well-defined biointerfaces in terms of both surface topography and chemistry, correlating with an appropriate biological response. All activities outlined in the project's activity plan were completed, and all indicators were met. Details regarding the obtained results, deliverables resulting from this project, as well as dissemination activities of the results, are presented in the following pages.