FIG. 1.
Preparation and application of the pectin-based polymer. Based on previous work, a 50–50 (wt%) mixture of HMP and CMC was used.18 (A) The HMP and CMC mixture was prepared as a viscous liquid, poured into the desired mold, and allowed to dry overnight into a translucent 50 μm thick sheet (48.3 ± 13 μm). (B) The pectin-based polymer was applied to the lung surface with 1–2 min of gentle pressure. Subsequent SEM demonstrated intimate integration of the polymer with the existing pleura. Arrows highlight the edge of the pectin polymer covering the mesothelial microvilli. CMC, carboxymethylcellulose; HMP, high methoxyl pectin; SEM, scanning electron microscopy. Color images available online at www.liebertpub.com/tea