Mechanical Properties of Smart Polypropylene Meshes: Effects of Mesh Architecture, Plasma Treatment, Thermosensitive Coating, and Sterilization Process

Smart polypropylene (PP) hernia meshes were proposedto detectsurgical infections and to regulate cell attachment-modulated properties.For this purpose, lightweight and midweight meshes were modified byapplying a plasma treatment for subsequent grafting of a thermosensitivehydrogel, poly-(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm).However, both the physical treatment with plasma and the chemicalprocesses required for the covalent incorporation of PNIPAAm can modifythe mechanical properties of the mesh and thus have an influence inhernia repair procedures. In this work, the mechanical performanceof plasma-treated and hydrogel-grafted meshes preheated at 37 degrees Chas been compared with standard meshes using bursting and the suturepull out tests. Furthermore, the influence of the mesh architecture,the amount of grafted hydrogel, and the sterilization process on suchproperties have been examined. Results reveal that although the plasmatreatment reduces the bursting and suture pull out forces, the thermosensitivehydrogel improves the mechanical resistance of the meshes. Moreover,the mechanical performance of the meshes coated with the PNIPAAm hydrogelis not influenced by ethylene oxide gas sterilization. Micrographsof the broken meshes evidence the role of the hydrogel as reinforcingcoating for the PP filaments. Overall, results confirm that the modificationof PP medical textiles with a biocompatible thermosensitive hydrogeldo not affect, and even improve, the mechanical requirements necessaryfor the implantation of these prostheses in vivo.

Automated summary

This study proposes the use of smart polypropylene hernia meshes modified with a thermosensitive hydrogel to detect surgical infections and regulate cell attachment. The physical treatment with plasma and the chemical processes for grafting the hydrogel can affect the mechanical properties of the mesh, but the hydrogel improves its mechanical resistance. Ethylene oxide gas sterilization does not influence the mechanical performance of the hydrogel-grafted meshes. Overall, the modification of PP medical textiles with a biocompatible thermosensitive hydrogel does not affect, and even improves, the mechanical requirements for implantation.