Improved Coverage of Mouse Myelomeningocele With a Mussel Inspired Reverse Thermal Gel.

Myelomeningocele (MMC) is an open neural tube defect of the spinal column. Our laboratory previously introduced a reverse thermal gel (RTG) as the first in situ forming patch for in utero MMC application. To overcome the challenges of anchoring the RTG in the wet amniotic environment to improve MMC coverage, we modified the RTG to mimic the underwater adhesive properties of mussels. We have separated this study into three separate hypotheses-based components: CONCLUSIONS: The DRTG demonstrates increased elasticity, cellular scaffolding properties, and improved MMC coverage in the Grhl3 mouse model. Future studies will be translated to the preclinical ovine model to evaluate this novel gel.