Polypropylene Mesh Coated with Dual Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid/Polyvinyl Alcohol Composite Hydrogel with Antiadhesion and Angiogenesis Properties for Abdominal Wall Repair

Abstract

Development of an antiadhesion polypropylene (PP) mesh in hernia repair is a recognized need because its efficacy is limited by severe abdominal adhesions. The porous structure of PP mesh can facilitate the integration between prosthetic material and abdominal tissue and promote the repair of abdominal wall defect. Herein, an antiadhesion composite hydrogel coating composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and hyaluronic acid methacrylate (HAMA) is fabricated on the surface of PP mesh through ultraviolet photopolymerization combined with freezing–thawing method. The resulted composite hydrogel coated PP mesh retain 43.33% of the pore structure by this way. In vitro tests proved the as-prepared PP mesh exhibit excellent hydrophilicity and biocompatibility. Meanwhile, the hydrogel coating shows good stability on the surface of PP mesh in phosphate buffered saline medium. After implantation in a rat abdominal wall defect model, the modified PP mesh effectively prevents the formation of adhesion by reducing inflammatory response and suppressing excessive deposition of collagen fiber. Immunohistochemical staining results demonstrate that the modified PP mesh can not only decrease the expression of IL-6, TNF-α, and CD68 but also promote the expression of CD31. Thus, this type of PP mesh with preventing postoperative adhesions and improving angiogenesis may be a promising clinical prosthetic material.