A Novel Bio-Adhesive Mesh System for Medical Implant Applications: In Vivo Assessment in a Rabbit Model

Harman M, Champaigne K, et al.

Gels

Clemson University, University of South Carolina, Circa Bioscience

RESEARCH SUMMARY

This study developed and evaluated a novel bio-adhesive surgical mesh system combining a surface-modified polypropylene mesh with a thermo-responsive poloxamine hydrogel adhesive for abdominal hernia repair. The mesh surface was functionalized with a poly(glycidyl methacrylate)/human serum albumin (PGMA/HSA) coating to enhance adhesion with the hydrogel adhesive. In vivo performance was assessed in a rabbit retromuscular hernia repair model over 42 days. Compared to fibrin-fixed polypropylene mesh, the bio-adhesive mesh system demonstrated significantly reduced mesh slippage and distortion, effective tissue integration within mesh pores, and adhesive strength sufficient to withstand physiological loads. Histological analysis showed comparable biocompatibility and collagen remodeling between treatment groups, supporting the system’s suitability for implant fixation applications.

Mechanical fixation strength of explanted mesh–tissue constructs was quantified using a CellScale BioTester equipped with a 23 N load cell. Uniaxial lap shear testing and T-peel testing were performed in accordance with ASTM F2255-05 and ASTM F2256-05 standards to measure adhesive strength at the tissue–mesh–adhesive interface. Samples were tested hydrated in PBS and maintained at 37 °C during testing, with force–displacement data recorded to calculate peak adhesive strength. These CellScale measurements enabled direct comparison of fixation performance between the bio-adhesive mesh system and fibrin-fixed polypropylene mesh after in vivo implantation.

AUTHORS

Melinda Harman; Kevin Champaigne; William Cobb; Xinyue Lu; Varun Chawla; Liying Wei; Igor Luzin; O. Thompson Mefford; Jiro Nagatomi.

PUBLICATION DETAILS

JOURNAL

Gels

YEAR

2023

INSTITUTIONS

Clemson University, University of South Carolina, Circa Bioscience

COUNTRIES

United States

INSTRUMENT USED

BioTester

TESTING METHODS

Hydrated and Temperature Controlled TestingPeel TestingShear Testing

RESEARCH APPLICATIONS

Adhesives and Sealants TestingFibrosis & Tissue RemodelingInjectable & Regenerative BiomaterialsPolymers and Elastomers TestingSkin and Wound Healing Biomechanics

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