Graphene Oxide Functionalized Double-Layered Patch with Anti-Adhesion Ability for Abdominal Wall Defects.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Effective repair of full-thickness abdominal wall defects necessitates patches with mechanical strength and anti-adhesion properties.
• Existing synthetic or bio-derived patches often lack the required mechanical integrity and bionic characteristics.
• Complications like hernias and adhesions underscore the need for advanced abdominal wall repair materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a double-layer nanofiber membrane for abdominal wall defect repair.
• To enhance the bio-functional properties of the patch by incorporating N-acetylcysteine (NAC).
• To assess the efficacy of the GO-PCL/NAC-CS-PCL patch in a rat model for preventing hernias and adhesions.

Main Methods:

• A consecutive electrospun method was employed to create a double-layer nanofiber membrane (GO-PCL/CS-PCL) using polycaprolactone (PCL), graphene oxide (GO), and chitosan (CS).
• N-acetylcysteine (NAC) was loaded into the CS-PCL layer to impart angiogenesis and reactive oxygen species scavenging capabilities.
• The efficacy of the GO-PCL/NAC-CS-PCL patch was tested in a 2×1.5cm full-thickness abdominal wall defect rat model.

Main Results:

• The developed double-layered patch demonstrated excellent mechanical strength and biocompatibility.
• Histological analysis after 2 months showed significant collagen deposition (34.94%±3.31%, P<0.001) in the defect area.
• Rats treated with the patch exhibited no hernia formation and significantly reduced adhesion scores (1.50±0.50, P<0.001).

Conclusions:

• The double-layered nanomembranes exhibit potent anti-hernia and anti-adhesion properties.
• The patch effectively improves the in vivo microenvironment, promoting tissue regeneration.
• This biomaterial shows significant promise for abdominal wall defect repair and as a postoperative anti-adhesion agent.