Biomimetic Anti-Adhesion Silk@Extracellular Matrix Composite Patch for the Treatment of Abdominal Wall Defects

Abdominal wall defects are predisposed to life-threatening complications. Biocompatible hernia patches are crucial for the effective repair and reconstruction of abdominal wall defects. However, conventional polymer-based hernia patches are prone to inducing inflammation and reaction to foreign body. The biomimetic Silk@Extracellular Matrix (S@ECM) patch is composed of naturally derived silk and extracellular matrix. The mechanical properties of S@ECM are provided by silk as the template and the incorporation of ECM facilitates cell adhesion and proliferation. Thus, S@ECM patch leads to the abilities of anti-adhesion and rapid reconstruction of the abdominal wall by recruiting cells. In vitro experiments using mechanical property tests demonstrate excellent mechanical properties (8.0 ± 0.1 MPa). In vivo experiments using a rat abdominal wall defect model demonstrate outstanding resistance to adhesions and rapid repair of the abdominal wall. The biomimetic S@ECM patch offers excellent therapeutic effects on abdominal wall defects, anti-adhesion effects and accelerates the repair of abdominal wall defects through in biomimetic reconstruction of abdominal wall defects. It offers significant values for repairing abdominal wall defects and provides design ideas for repairing other soft tissues.