Svistushkin M.V., Nikiforova G.N., Sevastianov V.I., Perova N.V., Serejnikova N.B., Zinchenko I.A., Platonova A.A., Kudryavtseva V.A., Lazareva P.I., Svistushkin V.M. Experimental study of the combined use of biopolymer materials for nonsurgical induction of occlusion in persistent tympanic membrane perforations. Head and Neck. Russian Journal. 2026;14(3):46–58
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25792/HN.2026.14.3.46-58
Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of combined application of an extracellular matrix biomimetic – a collagencontaining microheterogeneous hydrogel – and a biopolymer membrane based on a bacterial copolymer for the repair of persistent tympanic membrane perforations in an experimental animal model.
Material and methods. The study was conducted in 12 male laboratory chinchillas with an experimentally induced model of persistent tympanic membrane perforation. Both tympanic membranes from each animal were included and allocated into three groups: an experimental group (n=9), a control group without biopolymer treatment (n=9), and an intact group (n=6). In the experimental group, following dissection of the epidermal edge of the perforation, the defect was treated with a collagen-containing hydrogel and covered with a resorbable biopolymer membrane. In the control group, only edge dissection was performed. Animals were monitored endoscopically throughout the observation period. Euthanasia was performed on postoperative days 14 and 35, followed by histological examination of the tympanic membrane.
Results. In the control group (n = 6), no spontaneous closure of persistent tympanic membrane perforations was observed by postoperative day 35; defects persisted and, in some cases, increased in size. In contrast, complete closure was achieved in all cases in the experimental group (n=6) by day 35. The former perforation site was barely discernible and closely resembled intact membrane tissue.
Conclusion. The combined use of a collagen-containing microheterogeneous hydrogel and a biopolymer membrane, together with epidermal edge dissection, promotes complete anatomical closure and more physiologically appropriate morphological restoration of persistent tympanic membrane perforations.
Keywords: Tympanic membrane; tympanic membrane perforation; persistent perforation; regenerative medicine; tissue engineering; biopolymer; extracellular matrix biomimetic; hydrogel; membrane.
Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Financing. The work was completed without sponsorship.