Soft, Long-Lived, Bioresorbable Electronic Surgical Mesh with Wireless Pressure Monitor and On-demand Drug Delivery.

Current research in the area of surgical mesh implants is somewhat limited to traditional designs and synthesis of various mesh materials, whereas meshes with multiple functions may be an effective approach to address long-standing challenges including postoperative complications. We herein present a bioresorbable electronic surgical mesh that offers high mechanical strength over extended timeframes, wireless post-operative pressure monitoring, and on-demand drug delivery for the restoration of tissue structure and function. Study of materials and mesh layouts provides a wide range of tunability of mechanical, biochemical properties. Dissolvable dielectric composite with porous structure in a pyramidal shape enhances sensitivity of a wireless capacitive pressure sensor, and resistive microheaters integrated with inductive coils provide thermo-responsive drug delivery system for an antibacterial agent. In vivo evaluations demonstrate reliable, long-lived operation and effective treatment for abdominal hernia defects, by clear evidence of suppressed complications such as adhesion formation and infections. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.