Low-density polypropylene meshes coated with resorbable and biocompatible hydrophilic polymers as controlled release...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Infectious Disease Research
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Bioactive meshes are increasingly used for hernia repair, but bacterial infections (Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis) are a significant complication.
• Existing treatments for mesh infections are often limited in efficacy or duration.
• A need exists for advanced materials that can prevent or treat infections at the surgical site.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel bioactive mesh system for controlled release of vancomycin to prevent surgical site infections.
• To assess the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of vancomycin-eluting meshes against common bacterial pathogens.
• To determine the release kinetics and systemic diffusion of vancomycin from the coated meshes.

Main Methods:

• Polypropylene meshes were coated with a biocompatible, resorbable polymer containing vancomycin (0.32mgcm(-2)).
• In vitro efficacy was tested using agar diffusion assays to assess the inhibitory halo.
• In vivo studies involved implanting coated meshes in rabbits to evaluate infection control and measure systemic vancomycin levels.

Main Results:

• In vitro tests demonstrated significant bacterial inhibition for at least 14 days.
• The polymer coating provided controlled vancomycin release at a rate of 24μgh(-1).
• In vivo implantation in rabbits showed infection control for at least 30 days, with blood vancomycin levels below detection limits (<1-2μgml(-1)).

Conclusions:

• Vancomycin-coated bioactive meshes offer a promising solution for preventing and controlling bacterial infections associated with hernia repair.
• The controlled, localized release of vancomycin minimizes systemic exposure and maximizes efficacy at the implant site.
• This technology holds potential for application in other medical devices requiring targeted antibiotic delivery.