Design, Experimental Characterization and Finite Element Validation of Melt Electrowritten PCL/Hydrogel Composites
Ana Telma Silva1,2, Nuno Miguel Ferreira1,2, Avener Santos3
1Faculty of Engineering (FEUP), University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
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Conventional synthetic meshes for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) frequently cause severe complications, such as tissue erosion, due to a profound mechanical mismatch with native tissue. This study proposes a novel biphasic composite scaffold combining a load-bearing melt electrowritten (MEW) polycaprolactone (PCL) framework with a compliant alginate-gelatin (Alg-Gel) hydrogel matrix. PCL meshes (1.5 and 2.0 mm pores) were infiltrated with varying Alg-Gel ratios (4:3 and 5:2) and structurally evaluated through mechanical testing, swelling/degradation assays in a simulated acidic vaginal environment (pH 4.3), and finite element analysis (FEA). Results demonstrated that the 1.5 mm PCL architecture provides a robust baseline to withstand physiological loads. Notably, the hydrogel matrix provides a viscoelastic damping effect that synergistically improves the overall mechanical stability of the composite. Furthermore, FEA accurately predicted the non-linear macroscopic response of the composite constructs. Modulating the Alg-Gel ratio also enabled precise tuning of swelling capacity (up to 1400%) and degradation kinetics. Ultimately, this biomimetic system offers a highly adaptable, tissue-like protective cushion with enhanced dynamic stability, presenting a versatile platform for future in vivovalidation.
