Preclinical study on the application of biodegradable pure magnesium mesh in abdominal wall defect repair: Material characterization,biocompatibility,and regenerative mechanisms

Abstract

This study evaluates a novel biodegradable magnesium (Mg) mesh for abdominal wall repair. Current synthetic meshes present clinical limitations, while Mg alloys offer favorable mechanical properties and biodegradability that remain underexplored. The Mg mesh was characterized through tensile/burst testing and finite element analysis, demonstrating sufficient strength (initial: 167.2 ± 5.9 N/cm; 1 month: 55.9 ± 1.6 N/cm) to withstand tensile breaking strength of abdominal wall (16 N/cm). Degradation studies revealed faster rates in simulated body fluid (2.62 mm/year) versus Hanks’ solution (1.14 mm/year), with 60% structural integrity maintained after 8 weeks in vivo. Biocompatibility assessment using human skin fibroblasts showed >60% viability (Grade 0–1 cytotoxicity) across extract concentrations, with 60% concentration enhancing proliferation. In rat abdominal wall defect models, the Mg mesh exhibited superior performance to polypropylene meshes, demonstrating reduced foreign body reaction and upregulated collagen III/V expression. Proteomic analysis (TMT), PCR, and Western blot confirmed enhanced wound healing mechanisms. The mesh maintained tight tissue integration throughout degradation while providing mechanical support matching physiological demands. These findings collectively indicate that the biodegradable Mg mesh combines: (1) appropriate time-dependent mechanical properties, (2) controlled degradation matching tissue regeneration timelines, (3) excellent cytocompatibility with pro-proliferative effects, and (4) improved healing outcomes compared to standard polypropylene meshes. The results support its potential as a next-generation material for abdominal wall reconstruction, addressing key limitations of permanent synthetic meshes through its optimal balance of biomechanical performance and bioresorbability. Further clinical studies are warranted to validate these promising preclinical outcomes.