In-situ polymerization of PMMA inside decellularized dermis using UV photopolymerization

•A complex consisting of decellularized tissue and a synthetic polymer was prepared.•The monomer filled the cavities inside the dermis and turned into the polymer.•Using Irgacure® 184 and Irgacure® 819, the polymerization inside the dermis could be achieved.•The incorporation of polymer made the native tissue much tougher.

Polymerization is a technique used to functionalize soft tissues and to produce interface tissues. Here, we developed a method for functionalizing soft tissue with diverse polymers, using in-situ polymerization of monomers that were absorbed into the tissue. Specifically, methyl methacrylate (MMA) and a photoinitiator (Irgacure® 184) were applied to the decellularized dermis, which was polymerized in-situ using irradiating ultraviolet light. MMA polymerization in-situ was possible because the monomers filled the cavities of the decellularized dermis. It took approximately 40 min to complete polymerization, but we found that the rate and depth of polymerization could be adjusted by using mixtures of Irgacure® 184 and Irgacure® 819. The addition of Irgacure® 819 increased polymerization, indicating that polymerization of MMA had occurred inside the dermis. Additionally, we showed that a complex of dermis and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) increase mechanical strength, which indicates that the PMMA is anchored to collagen fibers. This makes the complex very stable, giving it the functionality of both soft and hard tissue.

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