GREEN NANO-MESH

Targeting Hernia Operation Using Sustainable Resources and Green Nanotechnologies. An Integrated Pan-European Approach

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Hernia operations are among the most common surgical procedures performed today with over 20 million cases annually worldwide. Hernia incidents are associated with pain and poor quality-of-life for the patient and lead to enormous healthcare costs, exceeding US $48 billion in the US annually. At present, hernia operations rely heavily on non-degradable polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene and nylon meshes. However, these polymers are often associated with foreign body reaction; implant failure; and hernia reoccurrence (over 42%). Moreover, leaking chemicals of these polymers are often deleterious to the surrounding cells and tissue and immobilise post-operative drug treatments. In addition, the process technologies are often associated with environmental risks. Herein, we propose a novel approach that employs recent advances in green nanotechnology and sustainable raw materials for scaffold fabrication that not only will eliminate toxic chemicals from the processes, but will also enhance functional repair due to superior biological properties. Specifically, we aim to fabricate a nano-fibrous mesh with well-defined nano-topography using cellulose; human recombinant collagen, derived from transgenic tobacco plants; and biodegradable polylactic/polyglycolic acid as raw materials. The green credentials of this innovative approach lie in the use of sustainable eco-friendly raw materials that will produce biodegradable waste products and therefore replacing hazardous chemicals currently in use. Thus, this proposal directly fits the call for the substitution of materials or components with ‘green nano-technology’.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Hernia operations are among the most common surgical procedures performed today, yet the non-degradable polymer meshes commonly implanted as treatment are fraught with problems. A novel bio-based scaffold promises significantly better clinical performance.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Mesh repair of hernias is now standard in most countries. Typically, a non-degradable polymeric mesh is placed at the site of organ protrusion to act as a scaffold for reinforcing tissue growth. However, customarily used non-degradable polymers are often associated with a high rate of foreign body reaction and hernia recurrence. In addition, current processing methods employ technologies that have been associated with environmental risks. The EU-funded http://www.greennanomesh.com (GREEN NANO-MESH) project was launched to develop a biodegradable nano- and micro- scale fibrous hernia meshes that will eliminate the use of hazardous processes and chemicals and will enhance repair.

The produced meshes are composed of eco-friendly raw materials (e.g. poly-epsilon-caprolactone, polylactic acid, pepsin-extracted bovine collagen and human recombinant collagen). Scientists have now demonstrated that the produced meshes have mechanical properties similar or even superior to commercially available meshes. In vitro cytocompatibility has been verified using numerous human cells. In vivo testing and environmental analyses are in progress. Technologies for fabrication of the nano-structured scaffolds and their functionalisation are now at technology readiness level (TRL) 4. The team plans to attain TRL 5-9 by completion of the project, paving the way to clinical trials and commercialisation. Along the way, outcomes have led to 12 publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals, as well as 30 conference papers and 17 keynote and plenary talks at international scientific conferences and meetings.

More than 20 million hernia repair operations are performed annually worldwide and, despite the fact that many consider it a routine operation, complications still abound and recurrence rates are more than 40 %. The innovative bio-based GREEN NANO-MESH with enhanced functionality and produced with eco-friendly processing could bring welcome relief to millions of sufferers and impressive savings for national health care programmes.