Hernia Mesh with Biomechanical and Mesh–Tissue Interface Dual Compliance for Scarless Abdominal Wall Reconstruction

Abstract

AbstractA fabric hydrogel composite hernia mesh with biomechanical and mesh–tissue interface dual compliance is designed for scarless abdominal wall reconstruction. The mesh is composed of a polyester knitted fabric and chitosan–polyacrylamide hydrogel complex. The mechanical properties of the composite mesh are adjusted to resemble the human abdominal wall by alkali treatment of chitosan to achieve good biomechanical compliance. An adhesion group is introduced into the composite mesh that forms covalent bonds with tissue, eliminating the need for suturing, reducing stress concentration at the fixation site, achieving mesh‐tissue interface compliance, and improving the simplicity of the operation. Covalent bonds and hydrogen bonds make the mesh have strong adhesion (70.1 ± 3.2 kPa) and repeatable (four times) robust adhesiveness. In vivo experiments using a rabbit abdominal wall defect model demonstrate quick adhesiveness and excellent functional reconstruction. Biomechanical and mesh–tissue interface dual compliance allow the tissue to regenerate an intact abdominal wall structure. The adhesive fabric hydrogel composite hernia mesh offers significant clinical values for repairing abdominal wall defects and provides design ideas for repairing other load‐bearing soft tissues.