Electrospinner: A novel electrospun polylactic acid silk protein patch for abdominal wall hernia repair

Background

The hernia repair research group of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University and the synthetic biology research group of Hunan University of Science and Technology have cooperated to successfully prepare a new type of polylactic acid and silk fibroin (PLA-SF) composite biological patch for abdominal wall hernia repair through electrospinning technology in a research paper published in Materials Today Bio.

Preparation method

In the study, the PLA-SF composite biological hernia patch was prepared by electrospinning technology with a ratio of PLA to SF of 8:2.

Physical and chemical evaluation

The successful synthesis of the PLA-SF patch was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy and energy spectrum analysis. The physical and chemical properties of the patch were evaluated by swelling experiments, in vitro degradation experiments, scanning electron microscopy experiments and stress-strain tests.

Biocompatibility evaluation

The biocompatibility of the PLA-SF patch was evaluated through animal experiments, and it was found that the patch had good physical properties, biocompatibility and low production cost.

Grid characterization

Infrared spectroscopy showed the successful synthesis of PLA and PLA-SF grids; stress-strain curves showed that the yield point, elastic modulus and ultimate strength of the PLA-SF grid were significantly higher than those of the PP grid and the PLA grid, and the elongation at break was also 1.75 times higher than that of the PLA grid, indicating that the PLA-SF grid combines the advantages of the PP grid and the PLA grid.

Animal experimental results

In the rat abdominal wall hernia model, PLA-SF patch can significantly reduce abdominal inflammation and inhibit adhesion formation, showing excellent biocompatibility

Cell experiment

Co-culture experiment with L929 mouse fibroblasts showed that PLA-SF patch reduced the expression of inflammatory factors secreted by fibroblasts through the TGF-β1/Smad pathway and promoted fibroblast proliferation

Conclusion

PLA-SF mesh has excellent physical and chemical properties and biocompatibility. It promotes cell proliferation and tissue remodeling through the TGF-β1/Smad pathway, reduces the expression of fibrotic molecules, and reduces adhesion. It is a patch with clinical application potential. This study demonstrates the application potential of electrospinning technology in the preparation of biological patches, especially in improving the effect of abdominal wall hernia repair and reducing postoperative complications. By combining polylactic acid and silk fibroin, the resulting PLA-SF patch showed significant advantages in physical properties, biocompatibility, and reducing inflammation and adhesion.

Electrospinning Nanofibers Article Source:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100915