Reinforcement of transvaginal repair using polypropylene mesh functionalized with basic fibroblast growth factor

Numerous modifications have been developed over the past two decades seeking to improve the transvaginal repair in the pelvic organ prolapse (POP) by using polypropylene (PP) mesh implants. The hydrophobicity of PP, however, presents a great hindrance for translating potential technologies into viable clinical applications. In this study, by manipulating self-polymerization and strong adhesive characteristics of dopamine, we developed a facile method to enhance the transvaginal repair by modifying PP meshes with polydopamine (PDA), which allowed easy grafting of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) onto the surface of PP. Such surface modification of PP meshes with bFGF was found to efficiently promote bioactivity without changing the morphology or mechanical properties of the PP meshes. Additionally, bFGF-modified PP meshes significantly promoted cell viability and adhesion compared to the unmodified PP. Ultimately, after three months of implantation, the bFGF-modified PP meshes exhibited improved tissue repair with greater degree of organization of deposited collagen, increased tensile strength and reduced inflammatory response. Overall, the surface-modified PP meshes will be highly practical as templates for transvaginal repair in the POP treatment.