Femtosecond Laser-Structured Polypropylene Mesh Implant for Enhanced Postoperative Recovery in Reconstructive Breast...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Tissue Engineering
• Medical Device Development

Background:

• Polypropylene (PP) mesh is used in breast reconstruction but faces challenges in mechanical strength and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Developing advanced PP mesh for enhanced clinical performance is crucial for reconstructive surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a drug-loading PP mesh with improved anti-inflammatory and mechanical properties for breast reconstruction.
• To evaluate the efficacy of femtosecond (fs) laser-treated PP mesh incorporating triclosan for in vivo applications.

Main Methods:

• Incorporation of triclosan into femtosecond (fs) laser-treated PP mesh scaffolds.
• Assessment of drug-loading capacity and antibacterial efficacy via inhibition ring analysis.
• In vivo evaluation in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats for breast reconstruction, including wound healing and tissue analysis.
• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure vascular density (CD31, CD163) and inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-6, TNF-a).

Main Results:

• Fs laser treatment created micro/nano structures that enhanced triclosan loading and antibacterial efficacy (2.5-fold increase in inhibition rings).
• In vivo studies showed accelerated scab formation and wound healing in rats.
• High vascular density (11.43 µg/mL CD31, 0.32 µg/mL CD163) and reduced inflammation (145 pg/mL IL-6, 33 pg/mL TNF-a) were observed.

Conclusions:

• Fs laser-treated, triclosan-modified PP mesh offers enhanced drug-loading, antibacterial properties, and improved in vivo healing.
• The developed mesh demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory effects and promotes vascularization, making it promising for biomedical applications.
• This novel approach advances the clinical utility of PP meshes in breast reconstruction and other reconstructive surgeries.