Characterisation of polycaprolactone scaffolds made by melt electrospinning writing for pelvic organ prolapse correction - a pilot study

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2022

Authors

Rynkevic, R (Author) Other; Silva, MET (Author) Other; Martins, P (Author) Other; Mascarenhas, T (Author) Other; Jorge Lino (Author) FEUP; Fernandes, AA (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Materials Today Communications

Vol. 32

ISSN: 2352-4928

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00W-6E6

DOI: 10.1016/j.mtcomm.2022.104101

Abstract (EN): Additive manufacturing and 3D printing technologies enable personalised treatments using custom-made prosthetics, implants and other medical devices. This research aimed to characterise novel biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) implants for pelvic organ prolapse repair, produced using melt electrospinning technology. PCL mesh filaments were printed in 5 configurations: 240 mu m, 160 mu m, three layers of 80 mu m, two layers of 80 mu m and one layer of 80 mu m. Material sterilisation, degradation, mechanical behaviour, and geometric variation due to applied loads were studied. Polypropylene (PP) Restorelle mesh was used as a reference in this study and vaginal tissue as a baseline. Sterilisation by UV irradiation+ EtOH 70% did not affect the specimens. A significant weight loss was observed in 80 mu m deposited fibers at 90 - and 180 - days of degradation, losing 10% of weight in neutral solution to 27% in acidic. All printed PCL deposited fibers had functional loss at 180 - day degradation in acidic solution (pH 4.2) (p < 0.05). PCL printed meshes were classified as ultra-lightweight, except lightweight 240 mu m filament mesh. PCL meshes closely match the biomechanical properties of vaginal tissues, particularly in the comfort zone, unlike the Restorelle implant. The 3D printed mesh pores appeared to be stable compared to those of Restorelle meshes that had been used clinically until the FDA pulled its approval. Based on the pilot study results, improved implant designs will be studied, and in vitro experiments on the cell adhesion and growth response will be conducted.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9