ECM Hydrogel Coated Surgical Mesh for Hernia Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical meshes, particularly those made of synthetic polymers, elicit a foreign body response leading to chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and complications such as fibrosis, decreased tissue compliance, and patient discomfort due to their inability to be quickly incorporated into host tissue without inducing a robust inflammatory reaction.
Innovation Solution
A surgical mesh coated with a hydrogel form of extracellular matrix (ECM) is used, which attenuates the foreign body reaction by reducing the number of foreign body giant cells and host-deposited collagen density, while maintaining the mechanical strength of the mesh. The ECM coating is derived from decellularized mammalian tissue and is embedded in a synthetic polymer mesh, such as polypropylene, to promote a constructive tissue remodeling response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If synthetic polymer mesh is used for surgical implantation, then mechanical strength is improved, but foreign body response and fibrosis increase
Solution Approach 1:
A coating layer comprising crosslinked hyaluronic acid and extracellular matrix components is applied to the synthetic polymer mesh surface. This intermediary layer mediates between the synthetic mesh and host tissue, reducing foreign body response while preserving the underlying mesh mechanical strength. The coating contains decellularized ECM components that promote constructive tissue remodeling and reduce macrophage activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure combining synthetic polymer mesh with a bioactive coating layer. The composite consists of the synthetic mesh substrate providing mechanical strength and the crosslinked hyaluronic acid/ECM coating providing biocompatibility and reduced inflammatory response. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of both mechanical strength and reduced foreign body response.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If ECM scaffold is used to reduce inflammatory response, then foreign body reaction is attenuated, but mechanical strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The solution separates the functions of mechanical support and inflammatory response management into distinct components. The synthetic polymer mesh provides the mechanical strength framework, while the ECM-containing coating layer specifically addresses inflammatory response. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its respective function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The ECM coating acts as an intermediary layer between the synthetic mesh and host tissue. It provides the bioactive signals needed for reduced inflammatory response and constructive tissue remodeling while the synthetic mesh underneath continues to provide mechanical strength. The intermediary coating transfers the mechanical load to the surrounding tissue over time as integration occurs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If decellularized ECM is used for scaffold, then constructive tissue remodeling is promoted, but mechanical strength is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges decellularized ECM material with crosslinked hyaluronic acid to create a composite coating. The ECM provides tissue remodeling capabilities and bioactive signals, while the crosslinked hyaluronic acid network provides structural integrity and mechanical strength. The crosslinking chemistry creates a stable gel structure that maintains the ECM components in place while providing necessary mechanical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The coating is a composite material combining decellularized ECM components with crosslinked hyaluronic acid. The ECM provides biological functionality for tissue remodeling while the crosslinked hyaluronic acid matrix provides mechanical strength and structural stability. This composite approach allows the coating to simultaneously exhibit both tissue remodeling capability and sufficient mechanical strength for surgical application.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The ECM coating significantly reduces the intensity of the foreign body reaction, leading to less fibrosis and tissue compliance issues, allowing for quicker incorporation of the mesh into host tissue and minimizing chronic pain and complications associated with synthetic mesh implantation.
Implementation Method 1
ECM coatings markedly attenuate the short term foreign body responses after implantation of the mesh, including a reduction in both the number of foreign body giant cells and the density of host deposited collagen
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are surgical meshes embedded in a gelled, solubilized extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, methods of making the same, and methods of using the same to repair defects in a body. The surgical mesh may be a synthetic polymer such as polypropylene, and the ECM coating reduces the foreign body response and scarring at the site of implantation. The device is useful for repairing hernias, pelvic floor disorders, and in breast reconstructions.