Construction and properties of the silk fibroin and polypropylene composite biological mesh for abdominal incisional hernia repair

Background: In this study, a new composite biological mesh named SFP was prepared by combining silk fibroin with polypropylene mesh. The mechanism and clinical application value of the SFP composite mesh were explored. Methods: The fibrous membrane was prepared by electrospinning of silk fibroin. The silk fibrous membrane was adhered to the polypropylene mesh by fibrin hydrogel to make a new composite mesh. The characterizations were verified by structural analysis and in vitro cell experiments. A total of 40 Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups, and 20 rats in each group were implanted with the SFP mesh and pure polypropylene mesh, respectively. The rats were sacrificed in batches on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 90th days after surgery. The adhesion degree and adhesion area on the mesh surface were compared, and a histopathological examination was carried out. Results: In vitro cell function experiments confirmed that the SFP mesh had good cell viability. The control group had different degrees of adhesion on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 90th days after surgery. However, there was almost no intraperitoneal adhesions on the 3rd and 7th days after surgery, and some rats only had mild adhesions on the 14th and 90th days after surgery in the SFP group. There were statistically significant differences in the postoperative intraperitoneal adhesion area and adhesion degree between the two groups (p < 0.05). Histopathological examination confirmed that the mesenchymal cells were well arranged and continuous, and there were more new capillaries and adipocyte proliferation under the mesenchymal cells in the SFP group. Conclusion: The SFP mesh shows good biocompatibility and biofunction in vitro and in vivo. It can promote the growth of peritoneal mesenchymal cells. The formation of a new mesenchymal cell layer can effectively reduce the extent and scope of adhesion between the mesh and abdominal organs. The SFP mesh will have a good application prospect in the field of abdominal wall hernia repair.