3D Printed Mesh Geometry Modulates Immune Response and Interface Biology in Mouse and Sheep Model: Implications for Pelvic Floor Surgery

Paul K, Darzi S, et al.

Advanced Science

Monash University, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, RMIT University, Monash Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research

Australia

RESEARCH SUMMARY

This study presents degradable melt electrowritten (MEW) meshes designed with variable fiber angulation (90°, 45°, 22.5°) to modulate immune response and improve integration for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair. Meshes fabricated from PCL were mechanically characterized and implanted in murine and ovine models to assess degradation, fibrosis, macrophage polarization, and collagen remodeling. The 22.5° hierarchical meshes exhibited superior tensile strength (up to 3.8 MPa), reduced fibrotic encapsulation, and a favorable shift toward anti-inflammatory (CD206⁺ M2) macrophages, with enhanced neo-collagen deposition and tissue integration. These findings demonstrate the critical role of mesh geometry in regulating host response for next-generation degradable implants in pelvic reconstructive surgery.

Mechanical testing of melt electrowritten (MEW) meshes was performed using a CellScale UniVert biomaterials testing platform (Waterloo, ON, Canada). The UniVert system was configured under displacement control with a 0.1 N preload, applying cyclic and monotonic uniaxial tensile loading to 4.5 × 1.5 cm meshes under dry conditions. The platform recorded stress–strain data to determine stiffness, ultimate tensile strength, toughness, and Poisson’s ratio. UniVert testing revealed that 22.5°2P meshes achieved a tensile strength of ~3.2–3.8 MPa, moderate stiffness (~16 MPa), and minimal lateral contraction, supporting the design’s mechanical stability and compliance with vaginal tissue mechanics relevant to pelvic floor repair.

AUTHORS

Kallyanashis Paul, Saeedeh Darzi, Cathal D. O’Connell, David M.Z.B. Hennes, Anna Rosamilia, Caroline E. Gargett, Jerome A. Werkmeister, Shayanti Mukherjee.

PUBLICATION DETAILS

JOURNAL

Advanced Science

YEAR

2025

INSTITUTIONS

Monash University, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, RMIT University, Monash Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research

COUNTRIES

Australia

INSTRUMENT USED

UniVert

TESTING METHODS

Fatigue TestingTensile Testing

RESEARCH APPLICATIONS

Membranes and Thin Films MechanicsPelvic Floor and Gynecological BiomechanicsPolymers and Elastomers Testing

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