Hydrogel–mesh composite for wound closure
Yang Gao, Xiuyuan Han, Jiaojiao Chen, Yudong Pan, Meng Yang, Linhe Lu, Jian Yang, Zhigang Suo, Tongqing Lu
Abstract
Significance Many surgeries require surgical mesh to be attached firmly at target areas to strengthen tissues, support organs, or repair wounds. Common methods of attachment include sutures, staples, and spiral tacks, but they damage tissues and prolong surgeries. Adhesion has been considered a promising alternative method to attach surgical meshes to tissues, but existing approaches of adhesion are too weak for most applications. Here, we develop composites of hydrogels and surgical meshes that can adhere to tissues firmly and stably. We demonstrate the applications of the hydrogel–mesh composites to wound closure, especially on tissues under high pressure or great tension.