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Bioengineered polymeric mesh with imaging contrast for enhanced urogynaecological applications
S Houshyar1, A Quigley2, I Cole1
1Department of Mechatronics, Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne 3000, Australia.
Biomaterials Advances
|November 11, 2025
Summary
A new composite transvaginal mesh (TVM) improves mechanical properties and biocompatibility for pelvic floor repair. This novel TVM offers enhanced CT visibility and reduced inflammation, presenting a safer alternative to traditional meshes.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Medical Engineering
- Gynecological Surgery
Background:
- Pelvic floor disorders affect up to 50% of women, with increasing prevalence in older populations.
- Transvaginal mesh (TVM) implantation is common but associated with complications like inflammation, infection, and poor integration.
- Safer and more effective alternatives to conventional TVM are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate a novel composite mesh for transvaginal repair.
- To enhance mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and imaging capabilities of TVM.
- To address limitations of current TVM treatments for pelvic floor disorders.
Main Methods:
- Development of a composite mesh using polymethylmethacrylate and thermoplastic polyurethane, embedded with iodine-doped carbon nanoparticles, and coated with a phosphorylcholine-based polymer.
- In vitro assessment of mechanical properties (tensile modulus), protein adsorption, and biocompatibility.
- In vivo evaluation in mouse models, assessing systemic inflammation, cytokine levels, and fecal microbiome diversity.
- Evaluation of CT imaging visibility and mesh integration over 14 days post-implantation.
Main Results:
- The composite mesh demonstrated a tensile modulus of ~2.7 MPa, closely matching vaginal tissue.
- Non-specific protein adsorption was reduced by ~78%, indicating improved biocompatibility.
- In vivo studies showed no systemic inflammation, though some cytokine elevations warrant further optimization.
- The mesh provided clear CT visibility for at least 14 days, enabling non-invasive monitoring.
Conclusions:
- The novel composite TVM offers improved mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and enhanced CT imaging compared to conventional meshes.
- This multifunctional mesh minimizes inflammation and supports tissue integration, presenting a promising solution for pelvic floor repair.
- Further optimization of mesh properties may be beneficial based on observed cytokine level changes in vivo.
