A novel method for the production and evaluation of hernia repair mesh in an in vitro environment

While most hernia mesh researchers use animal models or patient studies to evaluate prostheses, we have developed an in vitro-centric mesh production and examination system to characterize mesh properties that affect the cellular affinity and treatment potential of repair mesh. A loom was designed and constructed, and a feasibility study was conducted on auto-loom woven, degummed silk mesh seeded with murine-derived D1 multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). Meshes of two different pore sizes, 1 mm and 2 mm, were investigated. The seeded meshes were evaluated using a variety of assays to determine cellular metabolic activity, viability, and conformation at time points of 7, 14, and 21 days. The assays showed substantial cell attachment to the mesh at all time points, including penetration of cells into the interior of silk threads. Metabolic activity peaked at Day 14 for both mesh sizes, with a sharp rise in protein production from Day 7 to 14. Based upon the successful production of mesh and acquisition of results from the assays performed, it can be concluded that an in vitro evaluation system for hernia mesh is both possible and likely to produce scientifically relevant results.